The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has charged youths in the South-South region to resist internet fraud and other criminal activities, warning that fraudulent practices ultimately destroy lives and futures.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, delivered the message in Port Harcourt at an event organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA). Themed “Uniting South-South Youths in the Fight Against Cultism, Pipeline Vandalism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Human Trafficking and Economic Sabotage,” the programme brought together security agencies and youth leaders.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap,” Olukoyede said. “Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ 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.”
The EFCC chairman stressed that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, hindering development, reducing jobs, and damaging the country’s global image. He urged young people to channel their creativity into innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and other productive ventures.
“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 added.
