Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ola Olukoyede yesterday admonished youths to unite and take the lead in the fight against corruption.
Olukoyede made the call in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders at a Town Hall Meeting in preparation for the commemoration of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day.
The 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day will be held on Monday. It has “Uniting the Youths Against Corruption” as its theme.
He decried the adverse impact of corruption on the prospects of young people and the urgent need for collective action.
According to him, corruption limits the opportunities for self-actualisation and tilts the playing field in favour of a privileged few.
“A corrupt society cannot provide the equal opportunities that every young person needs to thrive,” he said.
The EFCC boss further lamented the increasing allure of internet fraud among the youth, describing it as a threat to their future.
Olukoyede said: “The allure of easy money through cybercrime draws many young people into criminality. However, there is no sustainable success in internet fraud; it only leads to a grim future.
“Youths must reject such practices and embrace integrity,” he said.
Olukoyede also urged the youth to lend forces and voices in support of activities of anti-corruption agencies, like the EFCC.
“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,” he said.
Olukoyede said that there is the need for the existence of EFCC’s anti-corruption clubs in primary, secondary and higher institutions across the country.
He advanced support for whistleblowing, as another potent means of tackling graft by young people.
The agency boss said: “There is no way corruption can be tackled if we allow it around us without a challenge.
“Youths have formidable roles to play in this regard. There is a need for stronger energy against the corrupt in our midst. No effort is too little and no sacrifice is too tasking in this regard.”
He further called for individual and corporate accountability by youths, pointing out that, “no matter the structure any youth may want to form against corrupt practices, without self-driven resolve to reject such practices, no other framework can work”.
“This means that personal choices and decisions against corruption count better than any other force,” Olukoyede said.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by the Director, Public Affairs Department, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren.
Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, encouraged the youth to reject association with corrupt individuals as their future depended on their integrity.
“Following corrupt people only fools you. Work hard, be transparent, and you will succeed without cutting corners,” he said.
Participants, including students and youth leaders, commended the EFCC’s efforts and shared insights on how young people could actively participate in the anti-corruption crusade.
Discussions on the same issue were held across all EFCC Zonal Commands, where youths were also urged to embrace right values and shun criminal tendencies.
