…calls for united youth front against cybercrime and drug abuse
By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to steer clear of internet fraud and other social vices, urging them instead to focus on education, innovation, and entrepreneurship as pathways to national development.
The EFCC boss made this appeal during a sensitisation programme organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The event, which was themed “Uniting Nigerian Youths in the Fight Against Cultism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Child-Trafficking and Economic Sabotage”, was held at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
In an official statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Olukoyede, who was represented by the Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aisha Muhammed, described youths as critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption, urging them to commit to ethical values and lawful endeavours.
“There is no virtue in deceit, no honour in impersonation, and no sustainable wealth in stealing from others. Nation builders cannot emerge from business breakers. Education, innovativeness and entrepreneurial spirit are the pathways to enduring success,” Olukoyede stated.
He warned that the continued involvement of youths in internet fraud is damaging Nigeria’s international reputation and eroding national values. He therefore advised young people to channel their energy and talents into positive, sustainable ventures that contribute to personal growth and national development.
“As we stand together, united and determined, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our nation. Let us join forces to reject cultism, internet fraud, money laundering, drug abuse, child trafficking and economic sabotage,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, Chief Obinna Nwaka emphasized that vices such as cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse and trafficking are symptoms of deeper societal challenges. He called for a united and coordinated effort by the government and stakeholders to address the root causes.
Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabir Adamu, attributed many of Nigeria’s developmental challenges to systemic corruption. He noted that corruption undermines youth development by diverting essential resources, fostering frustration, and encouraging criminal behaviour.
On his part, President of CONYSSA, Ambassador Ade Mario, advocated for a holistic and depoliticised approach to tackling
