The executive chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has expressed worry at the rate of youths engagement in cybercrime in the country.
Olukoyede stated this at a youth programme in Umuahia, Abia State, themed, “The Next Generation Project” organised by the federal government for secondary schools in the South East.
Represented by a senior official of the commission, Theresa Nwosu, the EFCC urged youths to desist from engaging in cybercrime “because of its destructive impact on the society.”
In an address, the senior special assistant to the president on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, called on youths to contribute to nation-building by performing their civic duties.
She said the project, along with many similar others, underscores the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the empowerment of youths in the zone.
“As the name implies, the aim of the project is to offer mentorship and leadership development opportunities to young people in the next generation,” she noted.
Explaining that the programme was the first in the zone and the southern part of the country, she added that her office had partnered the National Orientation Agency on the project.
Similarly, the director-general of the agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed that the youths should cultivate characters that will enable them build lasting prosperity through legitimate ventures.
Represented by the state director of the agency, Regina Iroha, he said the nation’s prosperity remains dependent on its economic success as well as the values and attitudes of the citizens.
According to the commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, the government has prioritised youth reorientation and development as a driving force in rebuilding agenda.
In a speech, the deputy coordinator of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Anu Maurice condemned the spate of drug and substance abuse among the youths.
His words: “There is no excuse that is good enough for one to engage in drug and substance abuse’.”
In their respective responses, some of the youths, Allwell Jamin, Confidence Kelechukwu, and Comforter Chikezie said the programme had given them access to relevant information that would guide them in their life choices.
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