Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has warned Nigerian youths that involvement in cybercrime will ultimately lead them to regret and disgrace.
He, therefore, advised them to harness their talents and energy for ventures that bring honour to Nigeria.
Olukoyede spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State at a youth empowerment programme organised by Faitheroic Generation (FHG).
He warned that criminal activities, particularly internet fraud, might appear lucrative at first but always end in tears for perpetrators.
LEADERSHIP reports that Faitheroic Generation is a national youth empowerment organisation dedicated to building financially independent young Nigerians through freelancing, digital skills, and ethical network marketing in line with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“There is dignity in labour. Shortcuts through cybercrime may seem attractive, but they destroy futures and reputations. Nigeria’s youths must rise above these temptations and use their potential to build a country they can be proud of,” Olukoyede said.
The EFCC boss, who was represented by the head, Public Affairs Department of the EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Directorate, Ayodele Babatunde stressed that unemployment should never be an excuse for criminality.
“We understand the challenges young people face, but cybercrime is not a solution. You have gifts and skills that can thrive legitimately. Channel them into productive ventures, and you will enjoy lasting fulfilment,” he added.
The EFCC Chair further urged the youth to partner with the EFCC in its mission to restore Nigeria’s global image, noting that the activities of internet fraudsters had brought severe damage to the country’s reputation at home and abroad.
He concluded with a rousing slogan: “Integrity is Strength, Hardwork is Wealth, Accountability is power – Say No to Corruption!”
In his lecture titled “Staying Safe Online and Preventing Cybercrime”, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, James Allison, who heads the Advance Fee Fraud Section of the Ilorin Directorate, admonished the youths to be wary of becoming tools for money laundering or falling prey to fraudulent online investment scams.
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