Be Protectors of the Common Good – Olukoyede Charges South East Youths
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called on youths in the south east to rise as protectors of the common good, warning that corruption remains one of the greatest threats to the region’s future. His message was delivered at the inauguration ceremony of the fourth Assembly and Seminar of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, held at the International Conference Centre, Independence Layout, on Thursday, twenty November. Speaking through Faruk Abdullah, the Head of the Legal and Prosecution Department at the Enugu Zonal Directorate, Olukoyede appealed to young people to become credible partners in safeguarding the integrity of the country. He described them as the custodians of what Nigeria will become, stressing that their choices today will determine the character of tomorrow’s leadership. He told the gathering that youths must find the courage to confront corruption, which he called the most destructive challenge in the society. In the words he delivered through his representative, “As future leaders, you must not only reject corruption, you must own the fight against it. The struggle for a transparent society must not be left to others. It must begin with us: in our schools, workplaces, communities and digital spaces. We must become whistleblowers of truth, ambassadors of accountability and defenders of integrity. You must say no to corruption, not only in words but in choices. Say no when faced with shortcuts. Say no when offered illicit gains. Say no when dishonesty seems easier than honour. The future of this South East depends on the moral decisions we make today.” The message echoed a similar charge he recently delivered at Coal City University, Enugu, during the third edition of the Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series. Represented on that occasion by Paul Ikpor, Head of Public Affairs at the Enugu Zonal Directorate, he urged students to uphold integrity and shun internet fraud in order to protect their future. Speaking on the theme “Ethics in Higher Education: Foundation for a Sustainable Society,” he warned that cyber crime has become a growing menace that damages Nigeria’s global reputation and destroys the prospects of those who engage in it. He told the audience that the quick money associated with online fraud often ends in consequences that far outweigh the temporary gains, noting that offenders face arrest, imprisonment, forfeiture of assets and a lingering stigma. He explained that many fraudsters underestimate the emotional and legal burdens. They live with the fear of exposure, shame and psychological distress and often lose scholarships, employment opportunities and the privilege of international travel. He added, “Youths are not just leaders of tomorrow, they are influence-rs of today. If integrity collapses among young people, the future of our dear nation collapses with it.” The EFCC chairman delivered yet another caution in Nsukka Local Government Area during a one day capacity building workshop organized by a non governmental organization. There, he encouraged youths to embrace skills and education rather than internet fraud, noting that young people possess the power to reshape their own stories and those of their communities. Addressing the theme “Enhancing Youth Security and Resilience in a Challenging Economy through Skills and IT Training,” he said many young persons drift into cyber crime due to the lure of fast money. He warned that internet fraud offers no true escape from hardship, only a path toward regret. “Internet fraud not only destroys lives, it erodes the very fabric of our society and it leads to criminal records, lost opportunities and a future filled with regret,” he said. Olukoyede urged the youths to invest in information technology skills, pointing out that digital marketing, data analysis and cybersecurity offer genuine career opportunities in today’s economy. “Skills in information technology provide an avenue to build a brighter future, one that is not dependent on the risky allure of internet fraud. When you invest in skills, you invest in your potential. You give yourself the tools you need to navigate the complexities of the job market, to create your own opportunities and to contribute positively to the society,” he said. He added that the digital age continues to create opportunities for those who are equipped, yet it also enhances the risks posed by cyber crime. He explained that employers now seek young people who combine traditional abilities with technological competence, stressing that IT training has become essential. In his opening remarks, Donatus Chikwendu Ugwu, chairman of the planning committee, who represented the convener of the foundation, Sam Otobeze, said the training was designed to engage the youths, warn them about the dangers of crime and equip them with entrepreneurial skills strong enough to steer them away from criminal behavior. The day’s proceedings left the hall with a quiet resolve, as though the message had been written softly across the room: the future of the region may well depend on the decisions its young people make today.
| 2025-11-26 19:16:20