EFCC chairman urges Nigerian youths to shun corruption, uphold integrity
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to reject corruption in all its forms and embrace integrity as a guiding principle in nation-building.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the 13th Annual Teenagers Workshop organized by the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society at Epitome Model Islamic School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State. He was represented by the Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander Aisha Mohammed.
Speaking on “The Dangers of Corruption and the Importance of Integrity”, the EFCC boss lamented that corruption has eaten deep into Nigerian society and called for urgent collective action, especially from the younger generation.
“You matter most to us because you are the future of this country. Change the narrative, frown at all forms of corruption. No aspect of it is small; every form has dire consequences. Corruption is the reason we have poor hospitals, bad roads, substandard schools and a failing educational system,” he said.
On integrity, Olukoyede stressed that honesty must be the identity of young Nigerians. “The moment you lose integrity, you lose everything. Make integrity your trademark. Be so synonymous with it that people can identify you with it. Your voices matter, so join hands with the EFCC to drive corruption out of Nigeria,” he added.
In an interactive session, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, Ilyasu Bala, explained the mandates of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He noted that while the EFCC focuses broadly on financial crimes such as money laundering, cyber fraud, terrorist financing and illegal mining, the ICPC tackles public sector corruption like bribery, abuse of office and embezzlement.
Director of Empowerment and Endowment of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Habiba Ahmed, commended the EFCC for consistently engaging youths as partners in the anti-corruption fight. She urged participants to support the Commission’s efforts and spread its message to their families and communities.
The workshop attracted teenagers from across the country and was aimed at raising morally upright and socially responsible youths by instilling values of integrity, civic responsibility and good leadership.
