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Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has charged Nigerian youths to lend their forces and voices in support of anti-corruption agencies, so as to rid society of corruption.
He spoke in Lagos, Ibadan and Kaduna at town hall meetings on youth against corruption, in commemoration of 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day.
The 2024 theme is “Uniting the Youths against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
Speaking at the Ibadan, Oyo State, town hall meeting, held at the Ultra-Modern Hall of the Federal College of Agriculture, Apata, Olukoyede, represented by the acting Zonal Director of Ibadan Zonal Directorate, Hauwa Ringim, advised the youth to close ranks and confront the monster fiercely.
He said corruption affected every age group but a bit harder against the prospects and possibilities of the youth.
“This makes it more binding on young people to tackle corruption more fiercely than any other age group.
“The scourge of graft limits and vitiates the opportunities of youths for self-actualisation.
“Every young person needs an equal opportunity for self-expression. However, this is impossible in societies where favouritism, nepotism, partisan and other extraneous considerations tilt opportunities in favour of some few privileged people.
“This is not good for the youth and it is for this reason that they need to forge a united front against corruption,” he said.
He added, “The allure of easy money is drawing young people into the vortex of criminality.
“This explains why our institutions of higher learning are struggling to make students stay away from internet fraud.
“Any young person tainted with cybercrime faces a grim future. There is no sustainable success in internet fraud. So, our youths need collaborative efforts for progressive innovations.”
Olukoyede added that It was high time the youth joined hands together to pursue values that would add strength to their lives.
At the Kaduna town hall meeting, Olukoyede, represented by Benedict Uba of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the commission, warned that corruption made youths vulnerable to fraudulent practices, particularly internet fraud, which could have dire consequences on their future.
He suggested that to combat corruption, youths across the country must form associations, clubs, and think tanks that would promote good values.
He also encouraged youths to support anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and to expose corrupt practices in their neighbourhoods.
“Progress-inclined youths should be more vibrant in identifying with the activities of the commission. There are structures in place for active engagement with youths at the EFCC.
“At the primary and secondary school level, we have the Integrity Club serving as a rallying point for students.
“At the tertiary institution level, we have the Zero Tolerance Club. They are all platforms for engagement against corrupt practices,” he said.
