RismadarVoice Reporters
May 20, 2026
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged Nigerian youths to embrace ethical behaviour and innovation as tools for national development and a sustainable future.
He gave the charge on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Dreamrise Festival 2026, a national celebration of young people held in Abuja with the theme: “The Future We Are Building.”
Olukoyede, who was represented by the Head of EFCC Radio Station, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Nwanyinma Okeanu, said integrity remains the foundation of true leadership and nation-building.
Addressing participants drawn from across the country, he stressed that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the values upheld by young people and the choices they make.
According to him, although the EFCC’s mandate is to combat economic and financial crimes, the Commission recognises that the most effective anti-corruption strategy is reorienting young people to embrace integrity as a way of life.
He disclosed that the Commission has continued to establish Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools, as well as Zero Tolerance Clubs in tertiary institutions across the country, to inculcate ethical values in students.
“Leadership starts with character, not title. Real leadership begins when a young person refuses to cheat in an examination, rejects cybercrime and chooses honesty over shortcuts,” he said.
The EFCC boss also warned youths against the misuse of innovation and technology, stressing that creativity without ethics could easily degenerate into criminality.
“Nigeria has some of the brightest young minds in the world. Your ideas and skills can solve problems in agriculture, health, education and finance. But innovation without integrity is dangerous. Technology without ethics becomes a tool for exploitation,” he said.
Olukoyede expressed concern over the growing involvement of youths in cybercrime, describing it as self-sabotage and a waste of talent that could otherwise be deployed for productive ventures.
“True innovators create value, not victims. I urge you to channel your creativity into enterprises and ideas that solve real problems and create jobs for others,” he added.
Also speaking during a panel discussion on the theme of the event, the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, said the Commission remains committed to directing young people toward integrity and responsible living.
She noted that the EFCC continues to guide youths to excel in their chosen careers while upholding ethical standards.
“Whatever you want to become — fashion designer, entrepreneur, musician or broadcaster — do it right and be good at it,” she said.
Mohammed urged youths to avoid all forms of economic and financial crimes, emphasising that they represent the future of Nigeria.
In her welcome address, the Convener and Executive Director of the Lola Cater Foundation, Ololade Ogunnubi, said the initiative was designed to nurture young Nigerians into future leaders and innovators capable of providing solutions to societal challenges.
She noted that empowering young people early would help them become ethical thinkers and responsible leaders for national development.
Ogunnubi encouraged participants not to see themselves as too young to lead or make a meaningful impact in society.
