The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to utilize their technological skills for positive contributions to the nation and personal development, rather than engaging in fraudulent activities.
Speaking at the Nigerian Youth Stakeholders’ Conversation in Abuja, themed “Digital Economy Transition: Pathway to Global Competitiveness,” Olukoyede, represented by the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, emphasised the potential of the digital space as a platform for youths to showcase their skills constructively.
He highlighted the Commission’s alignment with the event’s objective of harnessing the tech skills of young Nigerians for the country’s economic growth.
Olukoyede expressed concern over Nigeria’s international reputation, which he said is being tarnished by cybercrime activities perpetrated by some youths. He warned that the nation’s image would continue to suffer as long as such activities persist.
Additionally, Olukoyede lamented the erosion of moral values, pointing out that the emphasis on wealth has led to a troubling acceptance of sudden riches without questioning the sources.
He stated, “All of us are aware of the tremendous skills that our young citizens possess, especially in technology. We are all aware of the marvellous things Nigerians are doing, especially in the fintech ecosystem. I doubt there is any other country in Africa that has the type of resources that this nation has in terms of the deployment of technology by young persons in all areas of development.
“Technology is something you cannot run away from; it is the future of the whole world, and we must ensure that youths, who have these skills, deploy them for the benefit of our nation.
“The foundation of our moral values is threatened by the emphasis we have placed on wealth; it is really saddening that parents across the country today do not frown at sudden wealth by their children.
“You found a situation where children, who are being fed and catered for by their own parents, suddenly become wealthy and nobody asks questions. Across our campuses, we have young people who are driving cars that their parents can only have in their dreams, yet nobody asks questions.
“There is no way we can solve this problem until we look inward and find a way to teach the core values.
“There is no Nigerian ethnic group that celebrates stealing, fraud or cheating, which is another name for stealing, and we need to revive those core values that we have,” he added.
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