EFCC urges Nigerian youths to abandon internet fraud and embrace legal, innovative careers.
Olukoyede says cybercrime damages Nigeria’s image and threatens its economic and global prospects.
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has once again called on Nigerian youths to channel their talents and energy into meaningful and legitimate pursuits rather than engaging in internet fraud and other cybercrimes.
Olukoyede made this appeal on Friday, July 4, 2025, during the “Regional Youth Convergence on Internal Security and Digital Innovation” event organized by the Delta Youth Parliament. The event took place at Unity Hall, Government House in Asaba, Delta State.
Representing the EFCC Chairman at the event was Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Effa I. Okim, who is the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate. He described Nigerian youths as naturally gifted, creative, intelligent, and resilient, stressing that they have the capacity to excel globally if they focus their energy on the right path.
According to Okim, despite Nigeria being endowed with abundant human and natural resources, the involvement of many young people in cybercrime has tarnished the country’s image. “Our youths are vibrant, forward-looking, and intelligent, capable of competing with their peers anywhere in the world,” he said. “Unfortunately, some of them have taken the wrong route, opting for internet fraud and other economic crimes.”
He expressed concern that internet fraud has become widespread among Nigerian youths and warned that it threatens the nation’s global reputation, discourages foreign investors, and undermines economic growth. “The menace of internet fraud among our youth is pervasive. It is not just a stain on our image but a threat to the future of these young people and the credibility of the country as a whole,” he added.
Okim outlined the far-reaching consequences of cybercrime, including a decline in investor confidence, damage to national reputation, reduced innovation among youths, and the weakening of industries. He urged the younger generation to embrace diligence, honesty, and innovation, reminding them that the EFCC is committed to taking action against anyone involved in financial crimes.
In his remarks, Amukoyo Onome, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Delta Youth Parliament, explained the goal of the gathering. He said the convergence was designed to unite youth leaders, policymakers, security professionals, and technology innovators to discuss sustainable solutions to internal security challenges, promote youth empowerment, safeguard national assets, reduce cybercrime, and push for digital transformation across the Niger Delta.
The event served as a platform to encourage young Nigerians to take ownership of their future by building meaningful careers and contributing to national development through legal and innovative efforts.
