By Miriam Humbe
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has again charged Nigerian youths to channel their creative energy to legitimate and resourceful ventures rather than internet fraud.
Dele Oyewale EFCC’s Spokesperson disclosed this in a statement signed on Monday.
The EFCC Chairman gave the charge on Friday, July 4, 2025 at an event organised by Delta Youth Parliament, tagged “Regional Youth Convergence on Internal Security and Digital Innovation,” held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State.
The EFCC Chairman who spoke through the Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC 1, ACE I Effa I. Okim, noted that Nigeria was one of the most blessed countries in the world with abundant natural and human resources, but has been tainted by large scale involvement of its youths in internet fraud.
“Our youths are vibrant, forward looking, resilient, creative, intelligent who can hold their own in any part of the world.” He, however, regretted that despite the resourcefulness and creativity of the youth population, some among them have chosen the path of ignominy by engaging in economic and financial crimes.
“The menace of internet fraud among our youth is pervasive and it is a stain on us as a people and as a nation. They have embraced this crime to the detriment of their future and the image of the nation.”
He listed some of the consequences of youths’ involvement in internet fraud to include destruction of the country’s image, deterrent to foreign investment, reduction of investors confidence in the economy, hampering the creativity of young people and the collapse of industries among others.
He admonished the youth to embrace hard work and shun internet fraud and other forms of criminalities, noting that the Commission was determined to deal with those who crossed the line.
Amukoyo Onome, Chairman, Planning Committee, Delta Youth Parliament, noted that “the event seeks to bring together key stakeholders, youth leaders, security experts, policy-makers and digital innovators to deliberate on sustainable strategies for enhancing internal security, youth empowerment, protection of critical national assets, curbing cybercrime and digital transformation in the Niger Delta region.”
