The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to avoid involvement in cybercrime and fraudulent activities, warning that such choices carry lifelong consequences.
Speaking through Babatunde Sulaiman, Head of Public Affairs at the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Olukoyede addressed Batch B, Stream 2 corps members during their orientation at the NYSC camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.
He noted that an increasing number of young Nigerians are being convicted of internet fraud commonly known as Yahoo Yahoo leading to criminal records that hinder future prospects.
He emphasized that a conviction limits a person’s ability to obtain visas, hold public office, or run legitimate businesses. He urged the youth to report suspicious activities using the EFCC Eagle Eye App, encouraging them to be proactive in safeguarding their future.
“Don’t conceal fraudulent behaviour. Report it,” Olukoyede said. “Corruption has dragged this nation down the development ladder. It’s time to take decisive and drastic action to change the narrative.”
He further appealed to corps members to act as whistleblowers within their communities, stressing that youth engagement is critical in Nigeria’s fight against economic and financial crimes.
In continuation of its nationwide sensitization campaign, the EFCC also reached out to NYSC members in other states. In Enugu, Chief Superintendent Bashir Emmanuel Afanda encouraged corps members to build networks of anti-corruption advocates.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom and Cross River, the EFCC urged young people to seek legitimate sources of income, and in Kaduna, corps members were called upon to actively support efforts against economic crimes.
The expanded outreach follows what officials describe as a disturbing trend: a growing number of young Nigerians being arrested and jailed for online fraud.
According to PUNCH Metro, the EFCC’s presence at NYSC orientation camps is part of a broader strategy to raise awareness and promote ethical conduct among the next generation.
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