The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission b, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has once again urged Nigerian youths to take up the responsibility of nation-building by refusing to cover up criminal tendencies, exposing corruption around them, and channeling their creativity into meaningful ventures that will move the country forward.
Delivering his message through Babatunde Sulaiman, Head of Public Affairs, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Olukoyede gave the charge on Thursday, October 2, 2025, while addressing Batch B, Stream 2 corps members at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. He warned against the dangers of overlooking fraudulent acts and emphasized that corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of society, stunting national growth and progress.
“Don’t cover up fraudulent practices. Expose them. We must work to make things work. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every youth must rise to the challenge of fighting corruption in whatever form it takes,” Olukoyede said. He further reminded corps members that the EFCC had made available the Eagle Eye App, an innovative tool to make reporting of financial crimes easier, stressing that technology should be used for building, not destroying.
Warning against internet fraud
In his remarks, the EFCC Chairman also issued a stern warning to young Nigerians about the dangers of engaging in internet fraud, otherwise known as “Yahoo Yahoo.” He cautioned that such activities not only destroy individual lives but also damage the nation’s image globally. Olukoyede noted that ex-convicts carry life-long stigma and consequences.
“An ex-convict cannot hold public office in future. Such persons will also face restrictions abroad, including denial of visas. No serious national or international company will allow a fraud convict to run its affairs. So, the youth must understand that the so-called quick gains of cybercrime lead only to pain, regret, and wasted futures,” he stressed.
Call for anti-corruption campaign in Enugu
At the NYSC orientation camp in Enugu, Olukoyede—represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, Bashir Emmanuel Afanda—charged corps members to become active agents of change by sensitizing their host communities about the dangers of corruption. He emphasized that the war against corruption cannot be won by the EFCC alone but requires collective effort from all Nigerians, especially the youth.
“This is how to build a community of anti-corruption fighters and the surest way to move the nation forward. Each one of you has a role to play in ensuring that your communities are free of fraud, bribery, and all other corrupt practices,” he said.
Emphasis on legitimate earnings in South-South
In Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, the EFCC Chairman—represented by DSE Sani Ismail and ASE 1 Abubakar S. Muhammed—reminded corps members that there are countless legitimate ways of earning a living. He highlighted entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and service-based opportunities as examples of positive paths youths can explore instead of falling into the destructive trap of cybercrime.
He further noted that fraudulent practices only serve to harm not just the perpetrators, but their families and society at large. “Every young person has the opportunity to grow, learn, and create value. Use your service year to develop yourself, explore skills, and contribute positively to nation-building. Fraud is not and will never be the answer,” he urged.
Appeal in Kaduna
In Kaduna, Olukoyede again called on corps members to redirect their energy, creativity, and resilience into meaningful ventures that support the fight against economic and financial crimes. Represented by EFCC officials, he emphasized that youths should see themselves as leaders of tomorrow who cannot afford to compromise their future through corruption.
“Your talents and time must be invested wisely. Don’t let peer pressure or the illusion of quick money lead you into crime. Instead, support the fight against corruption and ensure you become part of the solution, not the problem,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman’s address across different NYSC camps underscores his consistent message: corruption has ruined Nigeria’s development, but the collective efforts of young Nigerians can rewrite the story. By embracing honesty, integrity, and innovation, the country’s future can be secured.
