RismadarVoice Reporters
November 2, 2026
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to reject internet fraud, Ponzi schemes and get-rich-quick practices, while embracing integrity, financial discipline and legitimate sources of income.
Olukoyede appealed in a goodwill message delivered at an event organised by the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development in Abuja on Saturday, October 31.
The event was themed “Raising Responsible Leaders, Building Sustainable Nations”.
Represented by the Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander Aisha Mohammed, Olukoyede emphasised the importance of responsible leadership in combating corruption and economic crimes.
He maintained that sustainable national development required citizens and leaders who demonstrated honesty, accountability and financial discipline.
According to the EFCC chairman, many economic and financial crimes arise from declining ethical values and the pursuit of wealth without legitimate effort.
He cited internet fraud, diversion of public resources and abuse of leadership positions as examples of conduct capable of undermining national development.
Olukoyede explained that the commission’s responsibilities extended beyond investigating and prosecuting financial crimes to educating Nigerians about the dangers of corruption.
He highlighted the establishment of Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools and Zero Tolerance Clubs in tertiary institutions as part of the agency’s preventive initiatives.
The EFCC chairman also encouraged young Nigerians to develop responsible financial habits, including saving, budgeting, earning legitimately and avoiding unnecessary financial risks.
He warned that involvement in internet fraud, money laundering and forgery could expose offenders to prosecution and damage their educational, professional and international opportunities.
Olukoyede further urged young people to avoid fraudulent investment schemes and resist social pressure to acquire wealth through unlawful means.
He stressed that leadership should not be viewed solely as occupying political office or holding positions of authority.
According to him, young people exercise leadership through their conduct in schools, families, workplaces, online communities and other social environments.
He encouraged them to demonstrate integrity, diligence and service in their everyday activities.
The chairman maintained that Nigeria’s long-term development depended partly on raising a generation committed to ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.
He urged participants to prioritise legitimate enterprise, personal development and accountability over the pursuit of instant wealth.
