From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to unite in the fight against corruption.
Olukoyede made the call at a town hall meeting organised to celebrate the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day, held by the EFCC on Thursday in Kano.
Represented by the Zonal Director of EFCC in Kano, , he described corruption as a monster that affects every age group but bites harder among youths.
He noted that corruption limits the opportunities for the self-actualisation of young people, making it impossible for them to have equal opportunities for self-expression.
Olukoyede also highlighted the vulnerability of youths to fraudulent practices, particularly internet fraud, which, he said, has a bandwagon effect on young people.
The EFCC Chairman maintained that to achieve unity in the fight against corruption, youths should form associations, clubs, think tanks, and societies that promote good values.
He also encouraged them to support anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and expose corrupt practices in their neighbourhoods.
Olukoyede added that the commission has established structures such as the Integrity Club for primary and secondary school students and the Zero Tolerance Club for tertiary institution students. He stressed that the EFCC is also building a Cyber Crime Research Centre to build capacities against internet fraud.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Kano’s Public Complaints and Anti-Graft Agency, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, urged youths to redouble their commitment to the fight against corruption, with the aim of achieving a corruption-free society.