Steer Clear of Cybercrime, Financial Crimes, Olukoyede Urges Nigerian Students
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian students to reject cybercrime, internet fraud and other financial crimes, stressing that the future of the country depends largely on the decisions young people make today.
Olukoyede made the appeal on Tuesday during a study visit by students of Regent Secondary School, Abuja, to the headquarters of the anti-graft agency. The visit formed part of the EFCC’s public enlightenment and youth engagement programme aimed at promoting integrity, accountability and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
Representing the EFCC Chairman, the Head of EFCC Radio and Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Nwanyinma Okeanu, said exposing students to the Commission’s activities at an early stage is an important strategy for preventing corruption and discouraging involvement in fraudulent financial practices.
She noted that the students’ decision to visit the Commission demonstrated a willingness to learn about integrity and national values, describing the visit as a significant step towards shaping responsible future leaders.
According to Okeanu, the choices young people make during their formative years often determine the direction of their lives and careers.
“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.
EFCC’s Mandate Beyond Arrests
Okeanu explained that while the EFCC is widely known for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, the Commission also places significant emphasis on preventive measures through public education and awareness campaigns.
She said the agency was established to restore Nigeria’s reputation by tackling corruption, economic crimes and financial fraud while promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.
According to her, officers of the Commission remain committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s future by combating crimes that undermine public confidence, weaken institutions and discourage investment.
She warned that cybercrime and other forms of financial crimes continue to pose serious threats to national development, particularly as more young people become attracted to internet fraud because of the promise of quick financial rewards.
Okeanu stressed that lasting success cannot be built on dishonest practices, urging students to uphold integrity regardless of the temptations they may encounter.
Students Warned Against Internet Fraud
As part of the educational programme, an officer from the EFCC’s Cybercrime Unit, Eniola Kayode, delivered a lecture titled “Ills of Cybercrime,” where students were introduced to the various forms, causes and consequences of cyber-related offences.
Kayode explained that cybercrime extends beyond internet fraud and includes several digital offences capable of causing significant financial and emotional harm to individuals, organisations and the nation.
She cautioned that although internet fraud may appear attractive because of the prospect of instant wealth, the long-term consequences often include criminal prosecution, damaged reputations, imprisonment and limited future opportunities.
According to her, many young people who become involved in cybercrime eventually lose educational opportunities, employment prospects and public trust.
She encouraged the students to embrace productive and lawful uses of technology instead of exploiting digital platforms for criminal activities.
Kayode urged them to develop practical digital skills in areas such as software programming, technology innovation, digital entrepreneurship, online education and other legitimate internet-based businesses capable of generating sustainable income.
She said Nigeria’s growing digital economy presents numerous opportunities for young people willing to invest in creativity, innovation and hard work.
Students Encouraged to Become Integrity Ambassadors
The Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aisha Mohammed, also addressed the students during the visit.
She introduced them to the statutory responsibilities and operational mandate of the Commission, explaining the various ways the EFCC contributes to combating corruption and protecting Nigeria’s economic system.
Mohammed challenged the students to become ambassadors of integrity both within their schools and in society, reminding them that every citizen has a role to play in building a corruption-free nation.
“You have to be good ambassadors. You have to contribute your own quota and your voices matter,” she told the students.
She encouraged them to speak against corruption, demonstrate honesty in their daily activities and influence their peers positively.
School Commends EFCC’s Educational Initiative
Speaking on behalf of Regent Secondary School, the Humanities Trip Coordinator, Jatau Shadrach Solomon, expressed appreciation to the EFCC for receiving the students and exposing them to practical lessons beyond the classroom.
He described the visit as an enriching educational experience that had broadened the students’ understanding of anti-corruption efforts and the dangers associated with cybercrime and financial misconduct.
According to Solomon, such interactions help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world civic responsibility.
The visit also featured a symbolic recognition ceremony during which two students, Aisha Ismail and Dubem Moghalu, were decorated as EFCC Ambassadors in recognition of their commitment to promoting integrity and anti-corruption values among their peers.
Promoting Integrity Among the Next Generation
The EFCC has continued to intensify public enlightenment campaigns across schools, universities and communities as part of efforts to discourage young Nigerians from engaging in internet fraud and other financial crimes.
The Commission maintains that preventing corruption through education is as important as investigating and prosecuting offenders. By engaging students early, the agency hopes to build a generation that values honesty, accountability and responsible citizenship.
As cybercrime continues to evolve with technological advancement, the EFCC has repeatedly emphasised the importance of digital literacy, ethical use of technology and lawful innovation in creating sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The Commission urged students to see education, hard work, creativity and innovation not fraudulent shortcuts as the pathway to lasting success and national development.
