Tunde Bakare
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to see themselves as critical stakeholders in the future of the country by embracing integrity and taking active roles in the fight against corruption.
He gave the charge on Thursday, May 14, 2026, when the students of Fairview Academy, Abuja, came on a study tour of the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
The EFCC boss, who was represented by the Head of the Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammad, urged the students to become ambassadors of integrity and anti-corruption advocates in their schools, homes and communities.
Addressing the students, he noted that the younger generation remained the greatest hope of the nation’s future and stressed the need for them to uphold moral values, capable of repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development.
He likened the sacrifices made by parents for the future of their children to the investments being made by the country in its young people, urging the students not to betray that trust.
“You are stakeholders in the future of this country. Just as your parents sacrifice to secure your future, Nigeria is also investing in you because you are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
Olukoyede further urged the students to serve as “foot soldiers” and whistle-blowers for the EFCC in the fight against corruption, noting that the Commission cannot win the war alone without the support of Nigerians, especially the youth.
“The EFCC cannot fight corruption alone. We need young people like you to stand up for integrity, reject wrongdoing and speak out against corruption wherever you see it,” he said.
He charged them to remain patriotic and shun all forms of criminality, including examination malpractice, cybercrime, internet fraud and other unethical practices capable of destroying their future.
The students were also sensitized on the dangers and consequences of cybercrime by Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Abdulhameed Wodi of the Cybercrime Section.
In his presentation, Wodi explained that cybercrime are unlawful activities carried out through digital platforms and electronic devices, warning that the menace continues to threaten national security and economic development.
According to him, common forms of cybercrime include romance scams, identity theft, impersonation, hacking, fake news, phishing and online fraud schemes targeted at unsuspecting victims.
He noted that many young people take to cybercrimes due to ignorance, peer pressure and the desire for quick wealth, warning that such actions carry severe legal and social consequences.
Wodi advised the students to protect themselves online by avoiding suspicious links, enabling two-factor authentication on their devices and social media accounts, verifying information before sharing and exercising caution in accepting online friendship requests.
“Do not click on suspicious links. Verify information before sharing it online. Be careful with unknown websites and friend requests. Your digital activities can remain online permanently and may affect your future career and reputation,” he warned.
He encouraged the students to maintain integrity in the digital space and be responsible users of devices of communication.
In his contribution, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I Gbenga Akinwande, explained that the Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit of the Commission was established to prevent crimes through public sensitization and value reorientation.
According to him, prevention remains more effective and less costly than investigation and prosecution.
“It is cheaper and easier to prevent crime than to investigate and prosecute it. That is why the EFCC is investing heavily in enlightenment and reorientation, especially among young people,” he said.
Akinwande disclosed that the Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit of the EFCC carries out awareness campaigns and educational programmes in schools and communities on cybercrime, internet fraud, money laundering and corruption.
He further explained that the Commission also establishes Integrity Clubs in schools as platforms for grooming morally upright young Nigerians, committed to honesty and accountability.
He urged the students to be positive influences among their peers and take the anti-corruption campaign beyond their classrooms to their homes and communities.