By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has enphasised the need for all-inclusive committed actions against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
He made the call at the recent Annual Conference of Committee of Youth Mobilization and Sensitization, CYMS, in conjunction with the Presidency and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the federation, a statement by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesman disclosed.
Speaking on the theme of the conference; “Promotion of Peaceful Co-existence, Ethnic and Religious Cohesion in Our Nation”, Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, Aisha Muhammad, who spoke for the EFCC Chairman said there was need for committed actions against corruption.
According to him, the actions have become vital because of the devastating consequences of corruption and internet fraud in the country.
“The need for committed action against corruption has become imperative, owing to the devastating consequences of the menace in our nation. As youths, you need to have deeper insights into the havocs being wrecked on our nation by the monster of corruption,” he said.
Olukoyede described corruption as a deliberate use of public opportunities, resources and privileges for personal gains, adding that the act has destructive tendencies on the development of the country and her citizenry and called for serious action by every youth and Nigerians to put it to an end.
“It is the deliberate use of public opportunities, resources and privileges for private gains. In any system where corruption holds sway, no progress of any kind can be made. Nigeria is in its present state owing to the cumulative effects of corrupt practices,” he added.
He urged youths to join the fight against corruption by keeping themselves busy through adequate and positive education, leadership training, skills acquisition, mentorship, youth-led initiatives, community development services, internship, and by taking available job opportunities.
The EFCC boss also charged the youths to be involved in the campaign and awareness programs against corruption, policy involvement, networking and capacity building, stressing that through such activities, they would create safe spaces for themselves and and support youth-led anti-corruption organizations.
“Remember, empowering youths to combat corruption is crucial for an equitable society and by enabling the youths, we can harness their energy, creativity and idealism to create a corrupt-free world,” he said.
Olukoyede described Nigerian youth as resilient, determined, passionate and committed in creating a better future but regretted that corruption was a big challenge bedeviling the country.
“But amidst this challenge, I see hope. I see a generation of young people who are determined, passionate, and committed to creating a better future. A future where integrity, transparency, and accountability are the norm,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka assured Nigerians that youths will continue to advocate for positive change, which he said will help the development of the country in general.
“Let me reassure Nigerians and especially the youths that we at CYMS will continue to champion causes for the betterment of Nigerians, we shall continue to contribute our own quota towards peace and development of our great nation,” he said.
He called on youths to shun all forms of violence and crimes and embrace the values of self-reliance, youth inclusiveness in governance and good policy formulation.
Nwaka presented an award of Excellence for Public Service to the EFCC Chairman.
Also, representative of the Director General, National Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Blessing Williams, in her own remark, described Nigerian youths as the heart of the nation and that without them, there will be no development
“I want to thank the youth for having Nigeria in their hearts, because you are the head of every nation and without the youth, there will be no development in any nation. So I want to commend the responsible ones, you people are doing well and I hope you keep up the good work.”
Speaking for the Corps Marshall, Corps Commander, A U Eteshere, assured youths of support in every positive activities that will enhance their development and progress
“The Corps Marshall is a very good supporter of the activities of this committee. He directed me to say that he is ready and willing on behalf of himself and the Corps to work with this Committee in every area where the Corps will be needed,” he said.
Other personalities including the Director Operations, National Lottery Trust Fund, Edwin Ajah, also expressed strong support for the youth. (Flowerbudnews)
