The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called upon National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the nation to take up a crucial role in combating economic and financial crimes by focusing on whistle-blowing and intelligence gathering.
The Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasised the pivotal role of youths in fighting corruption to bolster economic growth during a series of addresses at various NYSC orientation camps.
Speaking through EFCC representatives at different locations including Enugu, Nasarawa, Lagos, Jos, Abuja, Ilorin, Kano, and more, Olukoyede stressed the necessity for a concerted effort in battling corruption, citing its direct link to a myriad of societal challenges faced today.
In a post on EFCC’s official page on X(formerly Twitter), The EFCC’s boss noted that, “every challenge around us today can be traced to the consequences of corruption. The rising troubles of unemployment, insecurity, poverty, disease, low life expectancy, hunger, robbery, kidnapping are the results of mismanagement, misapplication and misplacement of our resources by those entrusted with them in the past”.
He highlighted the impact of corruption on unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and the overall dwindling quality of life in Nigeria.
The EFCC Chairman urged the youth to become change agents, actively resisting corruption and serving as advocates within their communities.
Emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of economic and financial crimes, he pointed out their detrimental effects on foreign investments, hindrance of developmental initiatives, and the compromise of the nation’s stability.
Olukoyede underscored the critical role of NYSC members in plugging leakages caused by corruption, thereby boosting investor confidence, fortifying industrial development, and maximising the creative potential of the youth.
Expressing concern over the rise of cybercrimes and the lure of material wealth among young individuals, the EFCC Chairman cautioned against these tendencies, asserting their adverse impact on the nation’s future.
He encouraged the youth to shun shortcuts to wealth and embrace hard work, urging them to report suspicious activities as the EFCC is committed to taking necessary actions.
The EFCC Chairman commended the collaborative efforts between the EFCC and NYSC, highlighting the significance of this synergy in combating economic and financial crimes across Nigeria.