The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to channel their creativity and energy into productive ventures that promote national development rather than engage in internet fraud and other forms of economic crimes.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the pioneer Kids and Teens STEAM Innovate Buildathon Bootcamp, held for young people between the ages of seven and 18. The event, themed “Future Innovator: Young Minds, Big Ideas, Creating Tomorrow Today,” brought together young innovators and technology enthusiasts to explore creative solutions for the future.
Delivering the EFCC Chairman’s keynote address, the Acting Director of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Bawa Usman Kaltungo, advised participants to embrace honesty, innovation, and discipline as guiding values in their pursuits.
Olukoyede commended the ingenuity, talents, and skills of Nigerian youths, describing them as vital assets to the nation’s progress. He, however, warned against the temptation of using their creativity for cybercrime and other illicit activities.
“A lot of negativity is going on among the youth, but I urge you not to go with the tide. Desist from joining the bandwagon of internet fraud as there will be regrets in future,” he said.
“Your importance in our society cannot be taken lightly. Galvanise your thoughts in such a way that you can stand nationally or internationally when the opportunity presents itself. Your era is very different from ours.”
The EFCC boss emphasized that the Commission’s campaigns against internet fraud were not aimed at stifling youthful innovation but rather to redirect it toward constructive and legitimate ventures that contribute to the nation’s socio-economic growth.
He further encouraged the youth to leverage technology, science, and creativity to develop sustainable solutions for societal challenges, noting that the future of Nigeria rests on their shoulders.
