The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, conferred on the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, the Ahmadu Bello Integrity Legacy Award.
President, NYCN, Dr. Isah Ododo while presenting the award to the EFCC Chairman at the Commission’s headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, stated that he was chosen for the honour owing to the unanimous decision of his Council members to appreciate his commitment to the anti- graft work.
“We are here to decorate you with Sir Ahmadu Bello Integrity Legacy honor, and as Garkuwan Matasan Arewa (Shield of the Northern Youths) as well as icon and cynosure of nation building,” he said.
He stated that the choice of the honor arouse during the NYCN’s council meeting held at Arewa House, Kaduna, where members unanimously agreed on Olukoyede for his unwavering dedication and selfless service, and leading other well-meaning Nigerians in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.
“In our recent council meeting that was held at Arewa House in Kaduna, you were shortlisted among four leading Nigerians to receive this Sir Ahmadu Bello Integrity Legacy Honor and the shield and protector of youths in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking further, Vice President, NYCN, Engineer Bilal Abdullahi stated that the youth came to present the award to the EFCC boss to build confidence, pledge their support and encourage Olukoyede not to relent in the fight he is leading against corruption.
“Mr. Chairman, your contribution in less than one year in office has been topnotch. You could see how those who have abused the national currency are brought to book in one way or the other, some of them have even served jail terms.
“We are here to declare our confidence in the EFCC and the Chairman; to tell them that Nigerians are appreciating all the beautiful works that the EFCC has been doing. Nigerians are watching, Nigerians are praying for you people and the entirety of our people are encouraging you,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman who was delighted with the award, stated that corruption and indiscipline are the main problems militating against the development of Nigeria.
“Indiscipline and corruption are causing us all these problems and EFCC cannot do this work alone, we want to see you there, take it upon yourselves. The best way to fight this corruption is to take it upon ourselves, especially the youth from the entire nineteen northern states. Look at what is going on in the north, insecurity has taken over everywhere. Who wants to go and invest in a place where there is no security?
He urged the leadership of the NYCN to mobilize Nigerian youths and work with the EFCC, adding that it is a responsibility of the Nigerian youth to fight alongside the EFCC.
“Go and mobilize your people, we will work together, you have major responsibilities in your hand and I want to encourage you, you have also seen the impact of corruption in Nigeria. You have to talk to yourselves, discipline yourselves, show good character. A missionary once said that if you lose money and wealth, you have lost nothing, because money and wealth do not define life. If you lose your health, yes you have lost something, but if you lose your character, you have lost everything,” he said.
“Don’t lose your character, ensure that you do the right thing so that you can have the Nigeria you can proudly call your country”, he said.