By Miriam Humbe
The Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has tasked students across the country to work towards building strong moral values in order to be relevant in the society for the good of the country.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity disclosed this in a statement signed on Thursday.
The EFCC Chairman gave the charge in Abuja when students of KDM Islamic School, Suleja, Niger State, visited the EFCC’s corporate headquarters, on a study tour.
Addressing the students, the EFCC’s boss, who was represented by the Head, Public Interface Unit of the Public Affairs Department, AsSISTANT Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1ITony Orilade, emphasized the importance of cultivating good moral character, stressing that for them to have a better future, they should make better choices in their younger ages.
“The older persons will pass away and hand over the baton to you. Build a solid moral foundation, so that in the future, this nation will look forward to you for greater and better responsibilities, quality leadership and corruption- free society. But if the foundation is not good, no matter what your parents put into you, it won’t last”, he said.
Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Public Affairs Department, EFCC, ACE II Aisha Muhammed urged the students to join in the anti-corruption crusade and reiterated that the young ones are fundamental to the future economic growth and development of the country.
“Try and be a person of integrity, and when you go back to school, at home, spread the knowledge you gained here today.
“Your voices matter a lot. Remember, you’re very important, you probably may not know how important you are.
“We urge you to be a whistleblower, and when you see something, say something. Don’t be nonchalant about things of national interests”, she said.
She further enlightened the students on the mandates of the EFCC, as well as the need to be part of the Zero Tolerance and Integrity Clubs that are operational in various schools and tertiary institutions across the country.
An Inspector of the EFCC and a cybercrime investigator, IE1 Eniola Kayode, also warned the students on the dangers of cybercrimes, cautioning them on their effects, adding that such crimes pose severe danger to them as individuals and the country at large.
“The aftermath of cybercrimes is very grave. People go as far as committing suicide. We’ve dealt with several cases like that.
“It causes reputational damage to the country and also poses a serious issue, in foreign relations, individuals and organizations don’t like to have anything to do with Nigeria regardless of the fact that there are so many other good Nigerians,” he said.
The students’ visit to the Commission gave them insights into the operations of the EFCC and provided them the motivation they needed to be people of integrity.
The highlight of the excursion was the presentation of the EFCC manuals and Question and Answer sessions with winners going home with prizes.
