Reasons EFCC Chairman Calls on Nigerian Youth to Actively Join the Fight Against Corruption
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to actively support anti-corruption initiatives in a concerted effort to eliminate corruption from society.
Speaking at a series of town hall meetings in Lagos, Ibadan, and Kaduna, Olukoyede emphasized the critical role young people must play in the fight against corruption. These discussions were held in observance of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day, with the theme: “Uniting the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
During the Ibadan meeting at the Federal College of Agriculture, Apata, Olukoyede, represented by Hauwa Ringim, Acting Zonal Director of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate, stressed that corruption affects everyone but has a particularly devastating impact on the youth. He highlighted that corruption limits young people’s opportunities for self-actualization and progress, often hindering their ability to achieve their full potential.
“The consequences of corruption are felt most acutely by the youth, as it stifles their opportunities for success and self-expression. In a society where nepotism, favoritism, and partisan politics dominate, young people are often deprived of a fair chance at success,” Olukoyede said. “That is why it is crucial for the youth to unite and take a strong stand against corruption.”
The EFCC chairman also addressed the growing allure of quick wealth, particularly through internet fraud, which has become a troubling trend among young Nigerians. He warned that involvement in cybercrime could derail young people’s futures and undermine their prospects for long-term success. “There is no sustainable success in internet fraud. Our youth must channel their energy into positive, innovative pursuits,” Olukoyede urged.
At the Kaduna town hall, Olukoyede, represented by Benedict Uba from the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Command, reinforced the message that corruption makes youths more vulnerable to fraudulent activities like internet scams. He suggested that to combat this menace, young people across Nigeria must form organizations, clubs, and think tanks that promote integrity and good values.
Olukoyede also called on youths to support the EFCC in its mission and to actively expose corruption within their communities. “Youth-led movements are crucial in the fight against corruption. We encourage young people to join anti-corruption platforms such as the Integrity Club at primary and secondary school levels and the Zero Tolerance Club at universities,” he added.
These initiatives provide young people with the tools and platforms to engage in the fight against corruption from an early age. Olukoyede emphasized that collaborative efforts are essential for creating a future free from the scourge of corruption and for shaping a society where integrity and fairness prevail.
