WorldStage– The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on youths in the South-South region to resist the lure of internet fraud and other financial crimes, describing fraud as a deadly trap that destroys lives and future.
He gave this charge in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at an event organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA).
Speaking on the theme, “Uniting South-South Youths in the Fight Against Cultism, Pipeline Vandalism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Human Trafficking and Economic Sabotage,” Olukoyede, who spoke through Head, Advance Fee Fraud Section, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, warned that while fraud may appear to offer “easy money,” it ultimately leads to shame, imprisonment, and lost opportunities.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today,” he said.
The EFCC boss 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.
Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.
The EFCC’s boss urged the youth to channel their talents into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and creative industries, all of which offer sustainable opportunities without the risks of crime.
He also reminded the audience that Nigeria’s strength lies in its young population: “Youths are the engine of our nation. If you choose fraud, you are choosing to destroy your tomorrow. But if you choose creativity, innovation and honesty, you are building a Nigeria that will compete with the best in the world,” he said.
The Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to continue its sensitization, enforcement, and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes, while calling on all stakeholders, especially young people to be partners in building a nation defined by integrity and prosperity.
In his remark, representative of the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Assistant Commander General, Narcotics, Mathew Ewah, warned that drug abuse remains one of the most dangerous threats to Nigerian youths.
“Drug abuse is a social problem. Sadly, youths are the majority abusing drugs in Nigeria, and this is worrisome. It turns many into social misfits, affecting their families, communities, and ultimately the country,” he said.
He stressed that prevention is the most effective weapon in the war against drug abuse, adding that the youth stage of life is a “make or mar period” that must be carefully guarded.
Speaking on ‘Uniting the Youths in South-South against Pipeline Vandalism’, Assistant Superintendent of Corps, Kabiru Zakari who represented the Commander General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC addressed the dangers of pipeline vandalism and its devastating effects on communities.
“Oil spillage from vandalism leads to serious health issues, destroys creeks and farmlands, and weakens agriculture in the South-South.
“Youths must stop being tools of vandalism and instead serve as community surveillance officers who protect, not destroy, our resources,” he said.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Director General of CONYSSA, Ade Mario Emmanuel, emphasized the role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s future and the need to support security agencies that are genuinely committed to ending insecurity.
He called on all youths to unite in the fight against pipeline vandalism, cultism, and economic sabotage, stressing that “all of us must get into the fight for a greater country.”
