Joseph Bakare
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strengthening its existing collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, as part of efforts to promote anti-corruption education and youth development across Nigeria.
Olukoyede stated this at the 53rd anniversary celebration of the NYSC held on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Lagos.
Represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Babatunde Sulaiman, Head, Public Affairs, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, the EFCC Chairman described the NYSC scheme as one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building institutions, fostering unity, patriotism, discipline, and selfless service among young graduates across the country.
According to him, “For over five decades, the scheme has continued to bridge ethnic, cultural, and religious divides, while nurturing generations of youths committed to national development.”
While celebrating the milestone recorded by the NYSC, he also acknowledged the critical role Nigerian youths play in shaping the future of the nation.
“The fight against corruption, economic sabotage, cybercrime, and other financial crimes cannot be left to the EFCC alone. It requires the collective commitment of patriotic citizens, especially young people, who represent the strength and hope of Nigeria,” he said.
Olukoyede further stated that the robust collaboration between the EFCC and NYSC reflects a shared vision of building a society founded on integrity, accountability, transparency, and responsible citizenship.
He added that sustained sensitisation programmes, community development initiatives, and anti-corruption advocacy involving corps members had positioned them as agents of national unity and ambassadors of ethical values and positive change.
He, therefore, urged corps members to continue to uphold the ideals of honesty, hard work, discipline, and patriotism.
“Reject every form of fraud, corruption, and criminality, including internet-related offences that threaten the image and progress of our nation. True success is built on integrity, not shortcuts,” he said.
Earlier in her address, the Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC, Christiana Salmwang, reflected on the origin and achievements of the scheme.
According to her, “Fifty-three years ago, in the aftermath of the civil war that tested our unity, Nigeria made a bold choice: we chose to build bridges over barriers and service over self. And that choice became the NYSC”
“Today, we gather not just to mark 53 years of the NYSC, but to celebrate 53 years of courage, service, and nation-building by over five million young Nigerians who answered the clarion call”
“In 1973, Decree No. 24 established this scheme with a simple mission: to foster unity and develop a common destiny.”
She further noted that corps members had contributed immensely to national development over the years, adding that “Since then, corps members have taught in classrooms and stood on the frontline during elections and national emergencies. From Sokoto to Yenagoa and from Maiduguri to Calabar, the NYSC has made neighbours become friends, and friends become brothers and sisters. The “Khaki” is not just a uniform; it is a promise that no part of Nigeria is too far and no Nigerian too different to serve.”