The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to steer clear of internet fraud and embrace integrity, stressing that honest choices remain vital to securing their future.
Olukoyede gave this charge in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, while addressing youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Rivers State Chapter, held at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre. The event focused on tackling social vices among young people.
Speaking through an EFCC officer, Deputy Superintendent James Adayilo Hosea, on the topic “Internet Fraud: Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative,” the EFCC boss defined internet fraud as the use of the internet, computers, mobile phones or social media to deceive people for financial gain.
He listed common forms of the crime to include fake online investments, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency scams, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers.
Olukoyede warned that involvement in such crimes could lead to arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and asset forfeiture. “All you have laboured for will be taken away,” he said.
Peer Pressure, Quick Wealth Driving Youths Into Crime
The EFCC chairman identified peer pressure and the desire for quick wealth as major factors pushing young people into internet fraud, noting that many youths want the rewards of success without going through the process required to achieve it.
“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before a career; a comfortable lifestyle before they labour. They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Success without process rarely lasts. Peer pressure also leads some into committing internet crimes,” he said.
Urges Youths To Use Technology Responsibly
Olukoyede urged the youths, particularly those who profess the Christian faith, to uphold integrity and channel their abilities positively, noting that God created every young person with unique gifts, talents, and a purpose — not to live by deception, but to be lights in their generation.
He also encouraged young people to use technology to create value rather than exploit others, urging them to learn useful skills and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the economy instead of using technology to defraud people.
The EFCC chairman further advised the youths to choose their friends carefully, stay away from get-rich-quick schemes, acquire marketable skills, and seek mentors who demonstrate integrity. He also urged them to spend time in prayer and God’s Word, create personal development plans, and pursue long-term goals.
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