The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukayode, says it is high time youths pursued values that will add strength to their lives.
Olukayode made the call at the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day, with the theme; “Uniting Youths Against Corruption”.
He noted that one sure route for youths to achieve unity in the fight against corruption is deliberate synergy against graft, explaining that they can do so by forming associations, clubs, think tanks, and societies that promote good values.
He said, “Another means of uniting against corruption is to lend forces and voices in support of activities of anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
“Progress-inclined youths should be more vibrant in identifying with the activities of the Commission. There are structures in place for active engagement with youths at the EFCC. At the Primary and Secondary School level, we have the Integrity Club serving as a rallying point for students. At the Tertiary Institution level, we have the Zero Tolerance Club. They are all platforms for engagement against corrupt practices.”
Olukoyede explained that youths can also unite against corruption by exposing tendencies and actions that run counter to accountability and right values in their neighbourhood, stressing that it is simply a whistle-blowing opportunity for youths, as there is no way corruption can be tackled if Nigerians allow it around them without a challenge. Youths have formidable roles to play in this regard.
“More important in this crusade against corruption is the overarching necessity of individual and corporate accountability. This entails making a decision against corruption,” he stressed.
He advised, “They should use their brains and brawn to fashion out the future they desire for themselves. The EFCC is always willing to lend a hand in this regard. We have initiated so many measures to educate and engage young people and even built a Cyber Crime Research Centre to build capacities against internet fraud. Let our youths see a better future ahead of them by choosing the pathway of integrity. As we always say, taking shortcuts always cuts people short. Reject the shortcut of corruption and your future will be established.”
He lamented that corruption affects every age group but bites harder against the prospects and possibilities of youths, pointing out that it makes it more binding on young people to tackle it more fiercely than any other age group, as the scourge of graft limits and vitiates the opportunities of youths for self-actualization.
According to him, “Every young person needs an equal opportunity for self-expression. But this is impossible in societies where favouritism, nepotism, partisan and other extraneous considerations tilt opportunities in favour of some few privileged people. This is not good for the youths and it is for this reason that they need to forge a united front against corruption.”
International Anti-corruption Day: EFCC urges youths to pursue values, shun crime