The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on students across Nigeria to cultivate strong moral values, emphasising that good character is essential for their future and the nation’s development.
Olukoyede made this appeal in Abuja during a study tour by students of KDM Islamic School, Suleja, Niger State, to the EFCC’s corporate headquarters.
Represented by the Head of the Public Interface Unit, Public Affairs Department, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Tony Orilade, he stressed the importance of making ethical choices early in life.
“The elderly will pass away and hand over the baton to you. Build a solid moral foundation so that in the future, this nation will look forward to you for greater responsibilities, quality leadership, and a corruption-free society.
“But if the foundation is not strong, no matter what your parents invest in you, it won’t last,” Orilade stated.
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Also speaking at the event, ACE II Aisha Muhammed, Head of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Public Affairs Department, urged the students to actively participate in the fight against corruption.
She encouraged them to uphold integrity and become whistleblowers whenever they encounter wrongdoing.
“Try to be a person of integrity. When you return to school or home, spread the knowledge you gained here today. Your voices matter a lot.
“You are important, even if you may not realize it yet. When you see something, say something. Don’t be indifferent to matters of national interest,” she advised.
Muhammed also enlightened the students on the EFCC’s mandate and the role of Zero Tolerance and Integrity Clubs in schools and tertiary institutions nationwide.
Meanwhile, Inspector of the EFCC (IE I) Eniola Kayode, a cybercrime investigator, cautioned the students about the dangers of internet fraud, noting that cybercrimes have devastating effects on individuals and the country.
“The consequences of cybercrimes are severe. Some victims end up committing suicide. We’ve handled several cases like that.
“It tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation and negatively impacts foreign relations, as many individuals and organizations hesitate to engage with the country, despite the presence of many honest Nigerians,” he warned.
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The study tour provided the students with valuable insights into the EFCC’s operations and reinforced the importance of integrity. The visit concluded with an interactive session, where students received EFCC manuals and prizes for answering questions correctly.
