The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukayode, has issued a passionate call to Nigerian youths, describing corruption as a “warfare against their future” and urging them to become active fighters in the national battle against graft.
Speaking today at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Olukayode emphasized the critical role young Nigerians play in reversing the country’s reputation for corruption and driving meaningful development.
“Nigeria is at a critical juncture where your roles as corruption fighters are crucial,” the EFCC boss declared. “Corruption affects us all – you, me, and the entire national fabric. When you leave your little world and step out into a larger environment, you will see how deeply corruption has damaged the perception of Nigerians globally.”
Olukayode illustrated this point with a sobering anecdote: “Our spokesperson was once laughed at during an official event in another African country – not because of him personally, but because of the global perception of Nigerians as corrupt. This is the gravity of what we face.”
The EFCC chairman urged corps members to see themselves not just as participants but as leaders in the fight. “Corps members must be more than foot soldiers – you must be brigade commanders and generals in this war,” he said, warning against complicity or indifference.
He also addressed the rise of internet fraud among Nigerian youth, stressing that “there are alternatives to crime.” Citing tech innovators like the founder of Flutterwave and tools such as ChatGPT (referred to humorously as “Chachibiti”), Olukayode encouraged corps members to harness technology and innovation to build legitimate futures.
“Even with a basic phone, once you can connect to the internet, the world is yours. You don’t need to commit a crime to make money,” he said. “Use your brain. Think.”
Highlighting the long-term consequences of criminal convictions, he reminded corps members that ex-convicts face severe barriers, including disqualification from public office, travel restrictions, and employment challenges. “Convictions are a lifelong stain. Embassy officials check, and no reputable organization will hire someone with a criminal record,” he warned.
He urged corps members to invest their service year in public enlightenment against corruption, especially when posted to schools or youth-focused environments. “Let the nation know every Nigerian is a stakeholder in this fight. Use your education. Use your platform,” he concluded.
Olukayode also recounted his own NYSC experience in Bayelsa, encouraging corps members to embrace their assignments with optimism. “It’s just one year – make it count. Use it to gain experience, make impact, and discover legitimate opportunities. The fight against corruption begins with you.”
The address drew widespread applause from the corps members, many of whom expressed renewed commitment to being agents of positive change in their communities.
