By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps in promoting anti-corruption education, youth development and responsible citizenship across the country.
According to an official signed statement by the spokesperson of the Commission, Dele Oyewale, Olukoyede made the commitment during the 53rd anniversary celebration of the NYSC held on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Lagos.
Represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Babatunde Sulaiman, Head of Public Affairs, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, the EFCC Chairman described the NYSC as one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building institutions that has continued to foster unity, patriotism, discipline and selfless service among Nigerian youths.
Olukoyede stated that for more than five decades, the scheme had consistently bridged ethnic, cultural and religious divides while nurturing generations of young Nigerians committed to national development.
While congratulating the NYSC on its 53rd anniversary, he stressed that Nigerian youths remain central to the country’s future and must play active roles in combating corruption and other financial crimes.
“The fight against corruption, economic sabotage, cybercrime, and other financial crimes cannot be left to the EFCC alone. It requires the collective commitment of patriotic citizens, especially young people, who represent the strength and hope of Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the existing partnership between the EFCC and the NYSC reflects a shared commitment to building a society anchored on integrity, accountability, transparency and responsible citizenship.
Olukoyede further explained that continuous sensitisation programmes, anti-corruption advocacy campaigns and community development initiatives involving corps members had positioned them as ambassadors of ethical values, national unity and positive change.
The EFCC Chairman also urged corps members to uphold the ideals of honesty, discipline, patriotism and hard work while rejecting fraud, corruption and internet-related crimes.
“Reject every form of fraud, corruption, and criminality, including internet-related offences that threaten the image and progress of our nation. True success is built on integrity, not shortcuts,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, the Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC, Christiana Salmwang, reflected on the history and achievements of the scheme since its establishment in 1973 following the Nigerian civil war.
According to her, the NYSC was created to promote national unity and foster a shared sense of purpose among Nigerians.
“Fifty-three years ago, in the aftermath of the civil war that tested our unity, Nigeria made a bold choice: we chose to build bridges over barriers and service over self. And that choice became the NYSC,” she said.
She added that over five million Nigerian youths had participated in the scheme over the years, contributing immensely to education, elections, healthcare, emergency response and community development across the country.
Salmwang further described the NYSC uniform as a symbol of unity and national service, stressing that the scheme had helped to build friendships and national cohesion across ethnic and regional lines.
