In many Nigerian households, mothers are the first line of discipline and guidance. They shape the values of their children and play a decisive role in molding the future of society.
It is this quiet but powerful influence that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is calling on women to use in the fight against corruption and cybercrime.
The call was made in Abuja last Thursday during the “You Against Crime Festival,” organised by You Against Crime International (YACI).
Representing the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the head of the commission’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, assistant commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aisha Muhammed, urged Nigerian mothers and women to rise as key allies in the anti-corruption campaign.
“Mothers and women play crucial roles in everything that we do, and they can do the same in the fight against corruption and cybercrime,” she said.
“Parenting is the most important part of our culture. Parents should ask questions, know their children’s friends, and keep an eye on them. Don’t leave your children to society.”
She stressed that corruption is not only fought in government offices or courtrooms but also in homes where values are first taught. According to her, many cases of cybercrime among youths could have been prevented with closer parental guidance.
To this end, the EFCC has created preventive initiatives such as Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools, Zero Tolerance Clubs in tertiary institutions, and the “Women Against Corruption” platform, all designed to “catch them young” and equip families with tools to resist crime.
The festival convener and YACI president, Tayo Florunsho, said the event was designed to provide solutions rather than mere complaints about crime. “We are here to collectively work together to see how students and youths can add value to the services of security agencies. We can’t do it on our own; this is about dialogue, partnership, and finding solutions,” he stated.
