The Kano Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Shazali, has stated that corruption makes youths vulnerable to fraudulent practices, highlighting the dangerous bandwagon effects of internet fraud on young people.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the commemoration of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day in Kano, Mr. Shazali emphasized that any young person involved in cybercrime faces a grim future, noting that there is no sustainable success in internet fraud.
During the town hall meeting organized by the EFCC Kano Zonal Office as part of the event, Mr. Olukoyede expressed his delight in addressing the youth, noting that the occasion serves as a platform for stock-taking and pragmatic analysis of anti-corruption efforts worldwide.
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“The scourge of graft limits and undermines opportunities for youth self-actualization.
“Every young person needs an equal opportunity for self-expression, but this is impossible in societies where favoritism, nepotism, and other extraneous factors skew opportunities in favor of a privileged few,” he said.
He called on the youth to forge a united front against corruption, stressing that the allure of easy money draws many into criminality, especially internet fraud.
“Our institutions of higher learning are struggling to keep students away from internet fraud. Any young person tainted with cybercrime faces a grim future. There is no sustainable success in internet fraud,” he said.
Mr. Olukoyede further emphasized the need for youth collaboration and progressive innovation, stating, “Youths need a positive outlook and reform-minded pursuits.
“This strength cannot be compromised on the altar of corruption.”
He encouraged young people to form associations, clubs, think tanks, and societies that promote good values, asserting, “Youths need a united voice to challenge unsavory practices at every level of government. No other age group will do this for them.”
He concluded by urging youths to work together to promote integrity and values that will strengthen their lives and society, emphasizing deliberate synergy against graft as a crucial step in the fight against corruption.
