The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm over the increasing number of youths involved in cybercrime across Nigeria.
Olanipekun Olukoyede, the commission’s executive chairman, expressed deep concern over the trend at a youth programme in Umuahia, Abia State, organized by the federal government for secondary school students in the South East.
Olukoyede, represented by senior EFCC official Theresa Nwosu, urged the youths to steer clear of cybercrime, emphasizing its destructive impact on society.
“Cybercrime may offer quick financial gains, but it undermines the fabric of society and hampers national progress,” Nwosu warned.
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The programme, titled The Next Generation Project, is part of ongoing federal efforts to empower young Nigerians with leadership development and mentorship opportunities. Rinsola Abiola, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“This project is aimed at grooming the next generation of leaders who will actively contribute to the nation’s growth,” Abiola said.
The initiative is the first of its kind in the South East and Southern Nigeria and is a partnership between the office of the Senior Special Assistant and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Lanre Issa-Onilu, the NOA Director-General, stressed the importance of cultivating values that lead to legitimate prosperity. Represented by Regina Iroha, the state director, Issa-Onilu called on youths to choose paths that will enable long-term economic success and sustainable national development.
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In a related effort, Goodluck Ubochi, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Abia State, reiterated the government’s focus on youth reorientation as a key component of its rebuilding agenda.
The deputy coordinator of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Anu Maurice, also spoke out against the rising drug abuse among young people, urging them to avoid substances that could destroy their future.
For the youths in attendance, the programme provided much-needed guidance. Participants like Allwell Jamin, Confidence Kelechukwu, and Comforter Chikezie expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain insights that would help shape their life choices in a positive direction.
