Olukoyede urges students to use digital skills for innovation, not cybercrime

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged students across the country to channel their digital skills into innovation and productive ventures rather than internet fraud and other financial crimes, stressing that Nigeria’s future depends on the choices young people make.

Olukoyede gave the charge on Tuesday during a study visit by students of Regent Secondary School, Abuja, to the commission. Represented by the Head of EFCC Radio and Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Nwanyinma Okeanu, he described such visits as an important aspect of the commission’s efforts to sensitise young people against corruption and fraudulent financial practices.

Okeanu urged the students to remain focused on becoming responsible citizens, noting that the decisions they make today would determine their future.

“Having students visit us from time to time is one of the ways in which we try to tell you that your future begins with the choices you make as young people. What you are going to become begins with the choices you make today. And having made the choice to visit EFCC, today marks a very good beginning to your future,” she said.

She explained that the EFCC was established to restore Nigeria’s dignity by combating corruption, economic and financial crimes, adding that the commission remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability and safeguarding the nation’s future. She also warned against the growing attraction of cybercrime among young people.

Delivering a lecture titled “Ills of Cybercrime,” Eniola Kayode of the EFCC’s Cybercrime Unit educated the students on the causes and consequences of cybercrime, urging them to resist internet fraud and other financial crimes. She encouraged them to deploy their digital skills in education, programming, online businesses and innovation instead of engaging in cybercrime.

Also speaking, the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Aisha Mohammed, explained the commission’s mandate and urged the students to be good ambassadors of the EFCC and Nigeria, stressing that their voices and contributions matter.

The Humanities Trip Coordinator of Regent Secondary School, Jatau Shadrach Solomon, thanked the commission for hosting the students, describing the visit as an enriching learning experience. Two students, Aisha Ismail and Dubem Moghalu, were decorated as EFCC ambassadors during the visit.