God created every young person with unique gifts, talents and a purpose. He did not create us to live by deception or dishonesty, but to be lights in our generation
By Moses Okorie
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to reject internet fraud and embrace honesty, hard work and legitimate means of achieving success.
Olukoyede made the call in Port Harcourt while speaking to youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Rivers State Chapter.
Represented by James Hosea, a Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, the commission’s chairman spoke on Tuesday on the topic, “Internet Fraud Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative.”
According to a statement released by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in Abuja on Thursday, Olukoyede warned that internet fraud could destroy the future of young people who engage in it.
He explained that internet fraud involves the use of computers, mobile phones, social media and other digital platforms to deceive unsuspecting victims for financial gain.
He listed fake investment schemes, romance scams, identity theft, online impersonation, shopping scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers among the common forms of internet crime.
The EFCC chairman cautioned that those involved in such activities risk arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and forfeiture of assets linked to their criminal activities.
“All you have laboured for will be taken away,” he warned.
Olukoyede attributed the growing involvement of youths in internet fraud largely to peer pressure and the desire for quick wealth.
He noted that some young people wanted to enjoy luxury and material possessions without undergoing the necessary process of education, career development and hard work.
“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before career; comfortable lifestyle before they labour. They want rewards before work,” he said.
According to him, genuine success requires patience and a willingness to work for it, stressing that success achieved without a proper foundation often does not last.
He urged the youths to use their talents and technological skills for productive purposes, rather than employing them to defraud others.
“God created every young person with unique gifts, talents and a purpose. He did not create us to live by deception or dishonesty, but to be lights in our generation,” he said.
Olukoyede also encouraged the youths to develop valuable skills, surround themselves with responsible friends, avoid get-rich-quick schemes and seek mentors who demonstrate integrity.
He stressed that using technology to create value and contribute positively to the economy remained a more rewarding and sustainable path than engaging in internet-related crimes.