The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, to brace up to the challenge of fighting economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption in the overall interests of the nation and their future.
He made the call in Abuja on Wednesday June 5, 2024 while receiving a delegation of the Council that paid him a courtesy visit at the headquarters of the Commission.
According to him, reform-minded youths should no longer wait until the deleterious effects of corruption form brick walls against their future. They should rise to the task of fighting corruption to save their future. “We must demonstrate it, we must walk the talk, we must fight the fight. We recognize youths as one of the stakeholders in the Nigerian project. They must rise to the task. Every hand must be on the deck to save Nigeria”, he said.
The EFCC’s boss stressed that youths needed complete reorientation to stay away from internet crimes and materialistic pursuits. He pointed out that youths could still have a taste of good governance if they support every anti-corruption initiative of the EFCC. “When you see us at the forefront of the fight against corruption, back us up, support the move and the future will be good for you”, he said.
He challenged youths to look inwards and tackle bad eggs among them in order to be strengthened against corrupt practices. “ Let’s look inwards, from villages, communities, zones, local governments, state governments and everywhere. Organize the youths together and let them know that we can rescue this country from the corrupt”, he said.
He submitted that Nigeria had enough riches to cater for the needs of youths if economic and financial crimes are frontally tackled. “Look inwards and talk to yourselves. Nigeria is so resourceful that youths should not suffer at all”, he said. He charged them to be courageous against challenges around them stressing that posterity would vindicate them. “We have to work together and win the fight together. We can make Nigeria work again,” he said.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Ambassador Sokubo Saraibe Sokubo, in his opening remarks commended Olukoyede on the success recorded within a short period of time. “We have seen your doggedness, sincerity and commitment in driving the fight against corruption since you assumed office”, he said.
He expressed support for the works of the EFCC stressing that “Nigerians are the problems of Nigeria”. He explained that His Council was willing to partner with the EFCC to deepen the fight against corruption.
Sokubo stated that NYCN was non-partisan and “ has wide networks to mobilise youths against corrupt practices. He promised that fraudulent youths would not be allowed to sabotage the efforts of the EFCC.
He also used the opportunity of the visit to invite the EFCC to the 60thAnniversary of NYCN.