The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged youths and students across the country to embrace corruption-free lifestyles so as to have a firm place to stand to pursue their ambitions.
He made the call on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, while receiving students of Pure Springs International School, Kubwa, Abuja who came on a study tour of the Commission.
Olukoyede, who spoke through the Head, Media and Publicity and the Spokesperson of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Dele Oyewale, charged the students that there cannot be a firm place to stand except they steer clear of corrupt practices.
According to him, corruption reduces the prospects and potentials of greatness of individuals and nations, adding that as youths and students, it is important for them to have a zero-corruption mentality so as to have a firm place to stand to rule the world.
“You can rule the world. There is no firm place to stand if there is corruption. Corruption reduces the prospects and potentials of greatness be it as an individual or a nation”.
“As children, it is important to have a zero -corruption mentality so as to have a firm place to stand to rule the world and be leaders that will bring about the positive change our nation yearns for. You have
all the prospects and potentials to change the narrative and pave a better way for the entire nation”, he said.
He urged them to report any form of crime, corruption and financial crimes stating that they should reject corruption in its entirety because it negates the prosperity of the country and a threat to their future.
“Whenever and wherever you see any form of economic and financial crime, reject it because it is a threat to your future and possibility. Let’s come together from this level to the highest level of growth to fight corruption. Tomorrow is assured for you if you fight corruption today. Have it at the back of your mind that you can change the world only if you stay away from corruption”, he said.
In his presentation, a staff of Cybercrime and Cyber Security Department, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I Olalekan Ogunjobi, warned the students to be wary of cyber predators and bullies online and asked them to use the internet for good purposes.
According to him, students should avoid making use of their parents’ mobile phones to send things to people or reply to strange messages.
“Don’t use your parents’ phones to send things to people, think before sending things with phones. Bad things happen on the internet, it can ruin your career and dreams. Protect yourselves from bullies and predators by using the internet positively and keep your personal information privately”, he said.
Head, Public Interface, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Tony Orilade spoke on how youths can avoid internet fraud. He tasked the students to avoid internet fraud and examination malpractices by embracing integrity.
“Integrity starts with you. Do the right thing now and encourage your friends to make ethical online choices and avoid pressure to engage in internet fraud”, he said.
He enjoined the students to always stay informed about the latest online scams to avoid being victims, adding that they should run away from evil conversations that could lead to crime and avoid anything evil irrespective of who is introducing it to them.
“Talk to trusted adults, mentors or counselors about online safety and cherish integrity”, he said.
Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, in her presentation, assured the students and their management that the Commission will visit the school to inaugurate the EFCC’s Integrity Club and charged them to be ambassadors of anti-corruption.
Mohammed cautioned the students against the evils of internet fraud urging them to be good citizens of Nigeria.
“There is a need for students to be anti-corruption foot soldiers and tomorrow is assured only if you fight corruption today,” she said.
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