EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede urged Nigerian youths to champion integrity and combat corruption during a recent Abuja event on Monday.
He stressed that all corrupt acts, however minor, harm society’s fabric.
Speaking through a representative at Battle Axe Academy, Olukoyede encouraged students to boldly reject wrongdoing, even among family. “Condemn malpractices like traffic violations—no exception for relatives,” he declared.
He advocated Integrity Clubs in schools to nurture anti-corruption values early, aiming to reshape future leadership. “If elders resist change, your generation must lead,” he added.
Olukoyede also warned against cybercrime’s long-term consequences, emphasizing how such choices could derail careers and political aspirations. His message linked personal ethics to national progress.
Meanwhile, EFCC Assistant Commander Aisha Mohammed reinforced the call, urging youths to repair Nigeria’s reputation damaged by internet fraud. “Become ambassadors of positive change,” she insisted.
Mohammed outlined EFCC’s youth-focused initiatives, including Integrity Clubs, university Zero Tolerance groups, and NYSC partnerships. These programs aim to embed honesty through continuous engagement.
She appealed to parents to model moral values, noting their role as children’s first influencers. “Prioritize discipline at home to curb dishonesty,” she advised.
During the event, students participated in an anti-corruption quiz, with winners receiving phones and EFCC Ambassador titles. The competition deepened their grasp of ethical principles.
The EFCC’s outreach underscores its strategy to enlist youths as key allies in fighting graft. By fostering early awareness, the Commission targets lasting societal transformation.
Olukoyede’s remarks align with broader efforts to redefine Nigeria’s global image through accountability. Engaging students, he argued, plants seeds for a transparent future.
Critics, however, question whether symbolic gestures like Integrity Clubs can counter systemic corruption. Advocates counter that sustained youth engagement is vital for cultural shifts.
The event concluded with pledges from students to reject fraud and advocate integrity among peers. Many expressed renewed commitment to ethical leadership.
As Nigeria grapples with high-profile graft cases, the EFCC’s focus on youth signals a long-term vision. Olukoyede’s call mirrors global trends prioritizing moral education.
For now, the Commission’s school programs aim to bridge gaps between policy and grassroots change. Success hinges on consistent messaging and community buy-in.
Ultimately, Olukoyede’s challenge to youths reflects a recognition: combating corruption requires not just enforcement but cultural rebirth. Students, he believes, hold that power.
