Mr Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has called on youths across the country to take the anti-corruption crusade to the grassroots level.
According to a statement by EFCC’s Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale on Friday in Abuja, Olukoyede made the call while delivering a goodwill message at a debate programme codenamed “Head to Head”.
The debate was aimed at inculcating good morals in secondary school students.
It was organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to address the out-of-school syndrome by children of school age in the country.
The EFCC boss was represented by the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aisha Mohammed.
The chairman said that the voice of every Nigerian youth mattered, and the EFCC would count on them to take the anti-corruption message to the grassroots.
According to him, the event is aimed to redirect the minds of children and youths on the path of good morals, and towards a better society because they are the future of the country.
“We want you to know that your voices matter in this fight, and from today onward, you have to take the fight against corruption dear to your heart.
“We want you to be people of integrity, do the right thing always, and always stand for the right thing even when nobody is watching you.
“Nigeria is the only country we have and we all must join hands together to make it great,” he said.
Earlier in his presentation on the topic “Cybercrime and its Menace,” Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC (ASE I), Olalekan Ogunjobi, cautioned youths to steer clear of all forms of cybercrime.
He urged them not to succumb to cybercrime, no matter how tough the pressure may be from peer groups, parents, and guardians.
According to him, there are many ways one can make a living legitimately via cyberspace and make lots of money without indulging in fraud.
On his part, the Executive Chairman/Board Secretary, UBEC, FCT Chapter, Dr Alhassan Sule, harped on the importance of education among the children of school age.
Sule said that UBEC under his watch would ensure that every child in the FCT went to school, as most of the nation’s challenges could be solved in the classrooms.
“We are using you as advocates of change.
“Talk to your friends who are not going to school to come to school, and if they refuse, tell your teachers, and from there we will know what to do.
“Polish your minds and become responsible citizens.
“That is why we reach out to various agencies, including the EFCC to come and talk to you on the need to be good and responsible citizens who will bring change to our nation.