The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Cleen Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, have re-affirmed their commitment to the fight against internet fraud as a way of checking the involvement of Nigerian youths in the criminal activities.
Speaking recently during a strategic meeting conveyed by Cleen Foundation to stem the rising tide of internet fraud in Lagos , Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, who spoke through Femi Olukinni, an officer in the Advance Free Fraud Section, AFF, Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC, said the meeting could not have come at a more auspicious time, adding that there must be concerted efforts to encourage youths to direct their energies towards more creative endeavours and put their talents to a better use.
According to him, “ At the EFCC, we have launched a sustained fight against cybercrimes. This is because we recognize that the future of this country lies in the hands of the youth.
“So, in line with the prevention mandate of the EFCC, we have designed a number of programmes targeted at the youths, where we sensitize them against the evil of internet fraud.”
While lauding the Foundation for lending its voice against cybercrimes, he stated that the EFCC would always support any initiative towards stamping out corruption and economic and financial crimes from the society.
Earlier, Blessing Abiri, Project Coordinator, Cleen Foundation, identified cybercrimes, cultism and drug abuse as the prevalent criminal activities common among youths in Ifako, Ikorodu and Ajeromi local government areas of Lagos State.
She added that “ we can not afford to allow the youth go deeper in these criminal activities. We must do everything within our power to salvage their future and change the narrative.”
In attendance at the meeting were Yemi Adebayo, Chairman, Crimes Prevention Steering Group, CPSG; representatives from the Police, National Orientation Agency, NOA, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and Ministry of Education , among others.