Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has cautioned the nation’s youth to avoid the urge for instant wealth and instead pursue a career of honesty and hard labor.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, he issued the warning through the Acting Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Effa Okim, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate by the Executives of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, or NUESA.
“We need to learn to despise evil and wrongdoing. Students shouldn’t be connected to it. We have been ruined by the notion of being wealthy rapidly. It must end. To combat the threat, we must unite,” he stated.
Olukoyede, who lamented the startling prevalence of pupils engaging in online fraud, blamed the development on societal values being undermined, selfishness, and a lack of contentment. He observed that many young people who engage in online fraud are just stubborn because they chose to earn money without putting in the same amount of effort, even though they were aware of the repercussions of their conduct. He urged the kids to focus on their education and avoid leading opulent lives that would put them under unnecessary stress.
“Some people have decided to follow their own desires. It’s a choice they made, not a result of ignorance. A 21-year-old student purchasing a car for N30 million is a sign that something is amiss.
I strongly advise you to stay away from such things in order to prevent undue stress and ruin your future. The possibilities are endless if you put in the necessary effort and are committed to your education,” he remarked.
The Association’s members came to seek partnership and collaboration with the Commission in order to educate students and youths about the consequences of internet fraud at the upcoming National Conference of Engineering Students, according to NUESA President Comrade Joshua Ojo Idemudian, who praised the Commission for its efforts in combating the threat of economic and financial crimes. In a related move, the executives of Edo State Network’s Young African Leaders Initiatives (YALI) made a courtesy call to the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate on Wednesday, May 21.
Chinye Patrick-Biose, the coordinator of YALI Network Edo, revealed that the main goal of the visit was to look into potential areas of cooperation with the Commission. We’re hoping that this will pave the way for a deep connection between the two organizations. Our objective is to provide young people with useful information and abilities in entrepreneurship, administration, and civic involvement. Together, we have a lot of power to create a society that is more responsible and sane.
“We will be happy to walk that path side by side with the EFCC, which has a significant role to play in helping reorient young minds,” she said. In his speech, Okim gave the YALI executives his word that the Commission will work with all pertinent parties to combat the corruption threat. “Collaboration represents one of our guiding principles. “We welcome meaningful and productive collaboration,” he said.
