The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to embrace positive use of the cyber space for personal growth and national development.
He gave the charge at the first edition of the Digital Festival of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Addressing the students on the topic, “Proper Use of the Cyber World for Gain Getting”, the EFCC boss, who was represented by the Head, Cybercrime Section of the Commission, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Ibrahim Musa urged the students to see the internet as a platform for innovation, learning, and legitimate enterprise rather than for cybercrime.
“This is your time and you must utilise it well. We have a lot in the cyber world and you must utilise it judiciously. To my surprise, instead of using it in a positive way, some are using it negatively,” he said.
The EFCC boss also spoke on the benefits of digital assets such as bitcoin, encouraging students to continuously explore their positive applications, while warning against internet fraud and other illicit activities.
He lamented that the high rate of cybercrime in the country had tarnished Nigeria’s image internationally, despite being known as the Giant of Africa.
“When you are an ex-convict, it will limit you from foreign trips. You must know how to utilise the digital space in a positive way. Do not yield to peer pressure. There is no nation that can grow without the youths,” he cautioned.
He further drew attention to the adverse consequences of cybercrime as provided in the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act (AFF Act), warning that such offences carry severe legal and social repercussions.
Also speaking at the event, Jonah Emmanuel, Director of Excellence Academy, Business & Innovative Professional, encouraged the students to leverage the internet to sell their ideas, create solutions, and earn legitimate income.
“People like you can provide information via digital channels, offering solutions online and making lawful money.”
