The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has issued a stern warning to the youth of Nigeria to steer clear of internet crimes and embrace a life of integrity, transparency, and accountability. This charge was delivered recently during the Grand Finale of the Reality House’s “Head-to-Head” debate at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Training Facility in Abuja.
Representing Mr. Olukoyede at the event, the Head of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II), Aisha Mohammed, underscored the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of the nation. She emphasized that corruption is not an isolated issue but a widespread problem that affects every citizen. “Corruption is not just someone else’s problem,” she stated. “It is yours, mine, and ours. It is all about unfair advantages, the bribes, the lies, and the cheating. It is also the silent bystander, the ignored warning sign, and the compromised value.”
Aisha Mohammed further highlighted the importance of making ethical choices, urging the youth to either accept the status quo or challenge it. “You are the future, and the future is now. Let’s create a Nigerian society of integrity, transparency, and accountability that we can be proud of,” she declared. This message resonated with the debate’s objective, which is to instill good morals and values in schoolchildren, aligning with the EFCC’s ongoing “Catching Them Young” initiative aimed at nurturing a generation of ethical leaders.
The EFCC Chairman’s message also included a call to action for the students to recognize their potential as future leaders and to take a firm stand against corruption and financial crimes. As part of the event, the students were inducted as anti-corruption foot-soldiers of the EFCC. They were encouraged to embody and promote the values of probity, hard work, and integrity, which the EFCC champions. The students were also urged to be vocal against corruption and to actively resist financial crimes in their communities.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmud, represented by Grace Adayilo, commended the students for their participation in the debate. She noted that debates are powerful tools for developing critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of complex issues such as corruption. Adayilo praised the students for their insightful contributions and the ability to engage in meaningful discussions with their peers.
The Acting Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Alhassan Sule, also emphasized the pivotal role of education in society. He lauded the students for their exceptional performances during the debate, highlighting the importance of nurturing such talents to build a brighter future for the nation.
The Grand Finale of the debate saw Junior Secondary School (JSS) Kubwa competing against JSS Dutse Alhaji II on the topic “Poverty: A Threat to School Population.” The event was keenly contested, with JSS Dutse Alhaji II emerging as the victor. The debate provided a platform for the students to showcase their oratory skills and to engage in a thoughtful discourse on the impact of poverty on education, a topic that resonates deeply within the broader context of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
In recognition of their outstanding performances, awards were presented to students who excelled during the debate. Additionally, all participants who made significant contributions during the EFCC’s lecture on cybercrime were given souvenirs and were decorated as EFCC Ambassadors. This honor serves as a testament to their commitment to the fight against corruption and cybercrime, further reinforcing the importance of the values discussed during the event.
The Reality House’s “Head-to-Head” debate and the EFCC’s involvement underscore the critical role of education and awareness in the fight against corruption. By engaging young minds in discussions about ethics, integrity, and the dangers of financial crimes, the EFCC hopes to inspire a new generation of Nigerians who will uphold the values of honesty and accountability, paving the way for a more transparent and just society.
