The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to actively resist corruption and economic crimes.
Speaking on Monday at the 13th Annual Teenagers Workshop, organised by the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society at Epitome Model Islamic School in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, Olukoyede described corruption as a “monster” responsible for a failing system in Nigeria.
According to a statement on the Commission’s X account on Monday, the Chairman was represented by the Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Aisha Mohammed.
Olukoyede lamented the deep entrenchment of corruption in Nigerian society, linking it to critical issues such as poor hospitals, dilapidated roads, and a failing educational system.
The EFCC boss said corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society and called for collective action against it, especially from the youths, who are the future leaders of the country.
He said, “You matter most to us because you are the future of this country. Whatever you can, do it to save this nation from corruption. Change the narrative, frown at all forms of corruption. No aspect of corruption is small, every form of it has dire consequences.
“Corruption is the reason we have poor hospitals, bad roads, substandard schools and a failing educational system. Do not wait. Fight it. Resent it wherever you see it happening, so that we can collectively save our nation from the monster of corruption.”
Speaking on integrity, Olukoyede noted that “The moment you lose integrity, you lose everything. Make integrity your trademark. Be so synonymous with integrity that people can identify you with it.
“You are the future of this country, and your voices matter. So join hands with the EFCC to drive corruption out of Nigeria.”
During an interactive session, Assistant Superintendent Ilyasu Bala highlighted the distinct roles of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.
He explained that the EFCC tackles a broad spectrum of financial crimes, including money laundering, internet fraud, and illegal oil deals, with powers to arrest, detain, and seize assets.
The statement added that the Director of Empowerment and Endowment of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Habiba Ahmed, thanked EFCC for engaging with youths as partners in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.
