By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace integrity, ethical behaviour, and innovation as key drivers of national development and sustainable progress.
Olukoyede made the call on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Abuja at the Dreamrise Festival 2026, a national youth celebration themed “The Future We Are Building.”
In an official signed statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, it was disclosed that Olukoyede was represented at the event by the Head of EFCC Radio Station, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Nwanyinma Okeanu.
He stressed that integrity remains the foundation of leadership and nation-building, noting that the future of Nigeria depends on the values and choices of young people.
According to him, while the EFCC’s mandate is to combat economic and financial crimes, the Commission places strong emphasis on preventive strategies through value reorientation and youth engagement.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the establishment of Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools, as well as Zero Tolerance Clubs in tertiary institutions, aimed at promoting ethical conduct among students.
“Leadership starts with character, not title. Real leadership begins when a young person refuses to cheat in an examination, rejects cybercrime and chooses honesty over shortcuts,” he said.
Olukoyede warned against the misuse of technology and innovation, noting that creativity without ethics could lead to criminal behaviour.
“Nigeria has some of the brightest young minds in the world. Your ideas and skills can solve problems in agriculture, health, education and finance. But innovation without integrity is dangerous. Technology without ethics becomes a tool for exploitation,” he added.
He further described rising cases of cybercrime among youths as self-sabotage and a waste of productive potential that could be channelled into legitimate ventures.
Also speaking during a panel session, the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE11 Aisha Mohammed, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to guiding young people towards integrity and responsible living.
“Whatever you want to become, fashion designer, entrepreneur, musician or broadcaster, do it right and be good at it,” she said.
She urged youths to avoid all forms of economic and financial crimes, stressing that they represent the future of Nigeria.
In her welcome address, the Convener and Executive Director of the Lola Cater Foundation, Ololade Ogunnubi, said the initiative was designed to nurture young Nigerians into future leaders and innovators capable of solving societal challenges.
