RismadarVoice Reporters
June 18, 2026
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has called on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across the country to position themselves as catalysts for national development by embracing integrity, innovation, and patriotism.
Olukoyede made the call on Thursday, June 18, 2026, during engagements with the 2026 Batch B Stream I corps members at various NYSC orientation camps nationwide.
Addressing corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Okada, Edo State, through the Head of Public Affairs Department of the Benin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Williams Oseghale, the EFCC chairman urged the youths to see themselves as a new generation capable of transforming Nigeria.
According to him, the future of the nation depends largely on the choices young people make today.
“There comes a time in the life of every individual when important decisions become necessary, and you have arrived at such a season,” Olukoyede said.
“It is not enough to see yourselves merely as youths in today’s Nigeria. You must see yourselves as a new breed of Nigerians. A new breed youth should be dissatisfied with the failures of the past and develop the strength and determination needed for future success.
“As new breed youths, choose to be solutions rather than problems, builders rather than destroyers.”
The anti-graft agency boss stressed that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s growth and development, warning that the country cannot attain its full potential if corrupt practices continue to thrive.
“Corruption has been the bane of our development. It has damaged our national image, slowed down progress, and threatens our collective future. Young people must reject corruption in all its forms if we are to build the Nigeria we desire,” he stated.
Warning Against Internet Fraud:
At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Ukwu, Delta State, Olukoyede, represented by Superintendent of the EFCC, Mohammed Aminu Chuwang, cautioned corps members against engaging in internet fraud and other criminal activities.
He encouraged them to embrace legitimate means of livelihood and focus on building productive careers.
“Do not follow the multitude to do evil,” he warned.
“Be creative, innovative, enterprising, and resourceful. Success achieved through honesty and hard work is more rewarding and sustainable than wealth acquired through fraudulent means.”
Corps Members Urged to Become Whistleblowers:
Speaking to corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, Olukoyede challenged them to actively participate in the fight against corruption by exposing corrupt practices in their communities and places of primary assignment.
Represented by the Head of Public Affairs Department, EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Babatunde Suliaman, he described whistleblowing as both a civic responsibility and an act of patriotism.
“Another way of being a new breed youth is by becoming a whistleblower,” he said.
“Exposing corrupt practices around you is not only a civic obligation, but it is also patriotic. The EFCC is relying on young Nigerians like you to help expose fraudulent activities wherever they occur.”
He encouraged corps members to utilise the commission’s Eagle Eye App, a digital platform developed to facilitate the anonymous reporting of corruption-related cases.
According to him, users can upload images, documents, and other evidence while maintaining their anonymity.
Internet Fraud Threatens the Future of Young Nigerians
At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, Olukoyede reiterated the dangers of internet fraud and other financial crimes.
Represented by the Superintendent of the EFCC, Akpos Mezeh-Ekisowei, Head of Public Affairs Department, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, he warned that criminal activities ultimately destroy the future of those involved.
“No serious-minded and future-focused young person should allow his or her future to be mortgaged through internet fraud or other criminal activities,” he said.
“There are numerous legitimate opportunities available for young people to succeed. You must challenge yourselves positively and pursue credible paths to prosperity.”
Corruption Linked to Wider Social Problems:
Similarly, while addressing corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Olukoyede, represented by Superintendent of the EFCC, Paul Ikpor, highlighted the broader consequences of corruption on society.
He noted that corruption contributes significantly to insecurity, poverty, unemployment, inflation, disease outbreaks, and other social challenges confronting the country.
“Fraudulent and anti-social behaviours often create conditions that breed terrorism and insecurity,” he said.
“Hunger, unemployment, inflation, banditry, indebtedness, and many other societal problems can be traced directly or indirectly to corruption.”
He urged corps members to maintain high ethical standards and avoid activities that could undermine national development.
Nationwide Anti-Corruption Sensitisation:
The EFCC chairman’s message formed part of the commission’s nationwide anti-corruption sensitisation campaign targeted at corps members.
Similar engagements were held at NYSC orientation camps in Kano, Ibadan, Maiduguri, Uyo, Ilorin, Abuja, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Makurdi, Ado-Ekiti, Sokoto, and other states across the federation.
The commission said the initiative is aimed at promoting integrity, responsible citizenship, and active youth participation in the fight against corruption, while encouraging young Nigerians to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to partnering with Nigerian youths in building a transparent, accountable, and prosperous nation, stressing that the future of the country depends on the values and actions of its younger generation.
