The executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to take a firm stand against corruption and all forms of economic and financial crimes.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Monday, 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 Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed.
Speaking on the theme “The dangers of corruption and the importance of integrity,” Olukoyede lamented the pervasive impact of corruption on Nigeria’s development, stressing the need for collective action, especially from young people.
“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,” he said.
According to him, “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.”
On the issue of personal values, the EFCC boss emphasized the importance of integrity.
“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,” he charged.
During an interactive session, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I Ilyasu Bala, highlighted the distinct but complementary roles of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
While the EFCC investigates financial crimes such as money laundering, internet fraud, terrorist financing, and illegal oil deals—with powers of arrest, detention, and asset seizure—the ICPC focuses primarily on corruption in the public sector, including bribery, abuse of office, and embezzlement.
In her remarks, Director of Empowerment and Endowment of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Habiba Ahmed, commended the EFCC leadership for engaging with young people as partners in the fight against corruption.
She urged participants to spread the anti-corruption message to their families and communities.
The workshop, which drew teenagers from across the country, aimed to raise morally upright and socially responsible youths by instilling values of integrity, civic responsibility, and leadership.
