EFCC chairman urges students to shun cybercrime, protect their future
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged students across the country to shun cybercrime and other financial offences, warning that involvement in internet fraud could jeopardise their education, employment prospects and reputation.
Olukoyede gave the warning on Tuesday when staff and students of New Capital School, Asokoro, Abuja, visited the commission’s corporate headquarters.
The EFCC chairman, who was represented by the Head of the Public Interface Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Tony Ojelimafe Orilade, said the commission was committed to combating economic and financial crimes to protect the future of young Nigerians.
He explained that the EFCC was established in 2003 to tackle economic and financial crimes and prevent criminal activities from undermining the country’s development. He added that the diversion and misappropriation of public resources could deny citizens access to quality education, healthcare and employment opportunities.
“The reason why we are fighting these economic and financial crimes is so that there will be a future for you and the generations yet unborn. If we do not fight these crimes, when you grow up, there will be nothing to be proud of as a Nigerian,” he said.
Olukoyede urged the students to avoid internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo, warning that conviction could have lasting consequences for their education, employment opportunities and international travel.
He said the commission was working to create an environment where young Nigerians could complete their education, secure jobs and access quality healthcare and other essential services without being compelled to seek opportunities abroad.
In her remarks, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Aisha Mohammed, the head of the EFCC Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, said the commission welcomed students and other stakeholders interested in understanding its activities as part of its preventive mandate. She urged the students to join Integrity Clubs in their schools to participate in anti-corruption activities and public enlightenment programmes.
