The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged Nigerian youths to stay away from internet fraud and focus on education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He made the call at a sensitization event, organised by Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs, CONYSSA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development with the theme: “Uniting Nigerian Youths in the Fight against, Cultism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Child-Trafficking and Economic Sabotage, held at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
“As we stand together, united and determined, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our nation. Let us join forces to reject cultism, internet fraud, money laundering, drug abuse, child trafficking and economic sabotage. Together, we can promote education, innovation and entrepreneurship, foster a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability, support one another in making positive life choices, and build a society that values hard work, merit and patriotism,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman who spoke through the Head, Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II, Aisha Muhammed noted that Nigerian youths are important stakeholders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes and therefore must stay focused on building their capacities and on the path of ethical behaviour.
While expressing concern on youths’ involvement in cybercrimes, he declared that “There is no virtue in deceit, no honour in impersonation and no sustainable wealth in stealing from others. Nation builders cannot emerge from business breakers. Education, innovativeness and entrepreneurial spirit are the pathways to enduring success. The reputation issues we are having across the world are hideous. Besides, our youth are losing their sense of values and dignity to internet fraud. Nigerian youths should redirect their talents, skills to sustainable ventures and means of livelihood and imitate the positive strides of other youths around the world,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by Chief Obinna Nwaka stated that social vices such as cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, child trafficking, and economic sabotage are not isolated issues, “they are symptoms of deeper societal problems. They demand a united front, prompt and coordinated response from the government and relevant stakeholders to tackle.”
Kabir Adamu, managing director, Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, on his part, blamed the increasing problems the country is facing on corruption.
“Corruption at various levels acts as a significant facilitator and exacerbator of these problems. By diverting resources meant for youths’ development, education, and job creation, corruption creates a climate of limited opportunities and fuels frustration among young people. This erosion of trust in government and societal institutions can lead to a sense of alienation and a greater propensity towards engaging in illicit activities,” he said.
President of CONYSSA, Ambassador Ade Mario called for a holistic approach at taming the tide of insecurity in the country. “It is time for a holistic approach that will end social menace and vices in this country to be adopted and to be used in a way that result can be achieved. The more politics people play with issues of insecurity the more the country and the citizens we continue to lose,” he said.
