The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged students and youths across the country to steer clear of internet crimes and prevail on their parents against corrupt practices by impressing on them that corruption is a crime.
He gave the charge in Abuja on Thursday, June 6, 2024, when students of Blossom Academy Abuja, visited the corporate headquarters of the Commission on an excursion trip. Olukoyede who spoke through the Head of Creative Communications, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Chris Oluka said corruption was a threat to individual and corporate progress in any environment. He stressed that no effort should be spared in tackling it as a problem.
“Since the establishment of the Commission by President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, we have been doing a good job. It is good that you know some of these things as crimes as you grow; we want to tell you that committing crimes has its repercussions. Nobody is too young to know about these things. As you go home, tell your parents that you went to EFCC and they told you that corruption is a crime”, he said.
The Head, Public Interface, ACE I Tony Orilade, while speaking on the Topic: “How The Youth Can Avoid The Temptation Of Internet fraud”, charged the students to live a life of integrity for their own good and for the good of Nigeria.
According to him, the consequence of internet fraud is grievous, adding that they should use internet opportunities for learning, personal growth, school assignments and positive interactions.
“Engaging in examination malpractices points towards corruption, so seek guidance and talk to trusted adults, mentors and counselors about online safety and integrity. Learn about the latest online and offline scams” he said.
Orilade explained to them that the EFCC was very passionate about the future of youths, stressing that they should go to their school and homes and tell others what they learned on their visit to the Commission, assuring that together Nigeria shall be great again.
Chief Superintendent of EFCC, CSE Daniel Nwaka, in his presentation titled: “Effects of Cybercrime on the Youths of Today,” described cybercrime as computer-assisted crime adding that students should not emulate cybercriminals who use the computer to defraud innocent people.
“These days, youths commit cybercrimes because of peer pressure, greed and poor upbringing, but for you, do not follow them because they steal from innocent people and if you are caught, you will go to prison” “Social bullying too is a crime, if you stalk anyone online, it is a crime, if you insult anybody on the internet it is also a crime and you will go to prison. So go and tell your friends, relatives that cybercrime can take them to prison, because it is evil”, he said.
