By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has issued a passionate call to Nigerian youths, urging them to channel their energy and creativity into legitimate and productive ventures rather than internet fraud and other criminal activities.
Olukoyede’s message was delivered on Friday, July 4, 2025, during a regional event organised by the Delta Youth Parliament titled “Regional Youth Convergence on Internal Security and Digital Innovation”, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State.
According to a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Chairman was represented at the event by the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC 1 (ACE I), Effa I. Okim.
In his address, the EFCC boss lamented that Nigeria, a country richly endowed with abundant human and natural resources, continues to suffer reputational damage due to the widespread involvement of some of its young citizens in cybercrime and economic fraud.
“Our youths are vibrant, forward-looking, resilient, creative, and intelligent, capable of competing anywhere in the world,” Olukoyede said. “However, it is disheartening that a segment of this promising population has chosen to walk the path of ignominy by engaging in internet fraud.”
He described the growing menace of cybercrime among Nigerian youth as a national stain, warning that the implications are far-reaching. According to him, youth involvement in fraud undermines the country’s international image, deters foreign investment, erodes investor confidence, stifles innovation, and contributes to industrial decline.
“The menace of internet fraud is not just a crime; it is a betrayal of the future,” he warned. “It destroys the hard-earned reputation of our country, sabotages genuine youth innovation, and robs honest individuals of opportunities.”
Olukoyede stressed that the EFCC remains unwavering in its mission to uphold integrity and rule of law, and that those who choose to disregard legal pathways will face the full weight of justice. He urged young Nigerians to adopt a mindset of diligence, self-reliance, and ethical innovation in their personal and professional pursuits.
On behalf of the organisers, Amukoyo Onome, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Delta Youth Parliament, said the event was designed to foster collaboration among youth leaders, policy-makers, digital innovators, and security professionals. The goal, he noted, was to develop sustainable strategies for improving internal security, curbing cybercrime, empowering young people, and safeguarding national infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.
The event brought together a cross-section of youth advocates, stakeholders, and technocrats committed to repositioning the digital landscape of the region and redirecting the youth toward positive contributions in national development.
