The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on youths to steer clear of internet fraud and reject the temptations of quick, illicit wealth, stressing the importance of securing their future and well-being.
In a statement posted on its X page, the anti-corruption agency revealed that Mr Olukoyede made this appeal in Abuja during an event organized by the ‘Child Protection Initiative Against Cybercrime’.
Represented by Assistant Superintendent ASE I Ogunjobi Olalekan, the EFCC chairman underscored that true honour lies in hard work and integrity, rather than in pursuing wealth through fraudulent means, which comes with the looming risk of imprisonment.
“You can become whatever you want to be, but don’t yield to peer pressure or quick gains from cybercrime,” he said.
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Olukoyede underscored the pressing threat of internet fraud, urging that collective efforts are necessary to dismantle its harmful grip on nations.
He attributed the rise of cybercrime among Nigerian youths to several factors, including high unemployment rates, societal and peer pressure to acquire material wealth, and overly indulgent parents or guardians.
While the intentions of these parents may be good, he warned that they can ‘inadvertently encourage a lack of self-discipline and control in their children’, adding that this toxic combination of societal and familial pressures often leads vulnerable youths towards cybercrime, such as online scams, identity theft, and other harmful activities.
To combat this, Olukoyede advocated for increased research and development, the establishment of dedicated support systems, the promotion of positive online behaviour, and active parental involvement.
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This he said could take the form of monitoring, family workshops, and parental controls, all of which would help protect children from the allure of cybercrime.
Meanwhile, Delmwa Gogwim, the organiser of the event, emphasised that the mission of the ‘Child Protection Initiative against Cybercrimes’ is to safeguard children and teenagers in the digital space.
Gogwim added that the initiative aims to protect them as they pursue education, entertainment, personal development, and 21st-century skill-building, while also empowering them to express and promote themselves responsibly within society.
“Cyber security is not just for your safety, but the safety of your loved ones. With over 140 million Nigerians connected to the internet, and more than half of them being young people, our focus is on tomorrow’s leaders. Their exposure to and utilization of the internet can be a transformative force, not only for themselves but for the entire nation,” she stated.
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Similarly, the representative of the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan urged youths to be productive and shun cybercrimes and other forms of criminality.
