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Fraud

EFCC Chairman Warns Youths Against Internet Fraud and Related Crimes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has cautioned youths in the South-South region to steer clear of internet fraud and other financial crimes, which he described as a deadly trap that destroys lives and future. Speaking at an event organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Olukoyede warned that fraud may appear to offer easy money but ultimately leads to shame, imprisonment, and lost opportunities. He urged the youth to channel their talents into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and creative industries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, warned youths against the dangers of internet fraud and related crimes, describing it as a deadly trap that destroys lives and future.
  • He highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.
  • Olukoyede emphasized the importance of channelling youth talents into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and creative industries.
  • He promised that the EFCC is ready to continue its sensitization, enforcement, and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes.
  • The EFCC Chairman stressed that Nigeria's strength lies in its young population, emphasizing that youths are the engine of the nation.
  • He called on all stakeholders, especially young people, to be partners in building a nation defined by integrity and prosperity.
  • Representative of the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Assistant Commander General, Narcotics, Mathew Ewah, warned that drug abuse remains a significant threat to Nigerian youths.
  • Mathew Ewah emphasized that prevention is the most effective weapon in the war against drug abuse and that the youth stage of life is a crucial period that must be carefully guarded.
  • Assistant Superintendent of Corps, Kabiru Zakari, representing the Commander General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), highlighted the dangers of pipeline vandalism and its devastating effects on communities.
  • Zakari urged youths to stop being tools of vandalism and instead serve as community surveillance officers who protect resources.

Statistics:

  • Internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually.
  • Nigeria's youth population is recognized as the engine of the nation, comprising the majority of the country's citizens.
  • According to the EFCC Chairman, the youth stage of life is a critical period for either growth and development or decline into negative behaviors.

Sources:

  • Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede
  • Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA)
  • National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
  • Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

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