The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede has called on students across the country to shun internet fraud and corruption, describing them as evil practices which must be resisted by all means possible.
He made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the inauguration of an Integrity Club at Arewa Schools, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
Olukoyede, who spoke through the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Department of the Commission, Nwanyinma Okeanu, said corruption was one of the evils working against the development and progress of the nation and urged the students and Nigerian youths to shun all forms of internet vices.
The Chairman described diversion of funds, embezzlement, stealing, forgery, bribery, internet fraud and others as clear cases of corrupt practices, which has over the years under-developed the progress and growth of the country.
“Diversion of funds, embezzlement, stealing, forgery, bribery and others are examples of corrupt practices. Should we allow such practices in our country? Can the nation move forward if we allow such practices in our midst?”, he asked
Speaking on the Integrity Club in schools, the EFCC chairman described the Club as vital tools needed to lay a strong foundation for anti-corruption fight in schools. He urged every student in the school to be a part and parcel of the Club to make Nigeria better and greater for the future generation of Nigeria.
“I consider it a great privilege to launch an Integrity club in your school today. I hope that every member of the club and the entire school community will embrace the rules and regulations of the club and in the process, make Nigeria better and greater”, he said.
The Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the commission, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, while speaking on the need for the inauguration of the Club in the school, stressed that the Integrity Clubs in schools played strategic and vital roles in modeling youths to embrace a positive attitude towards their life.
She explained that the commission deemed it fit to inaugurate the Club in schools because the Commission believes that youths are very important in the fight against corruption.
“You are the future of this country Nigeria, an ambassador of your family, community and the nation at large, and we believe that the fight against corruption will not be possible without involving you, the young ones”, she said.
Mohammed also educated the students on the essence of being a member of the Club adding that the Integrity Club stands for “honesty, discipline, responsibility, tolerance and patriotism.
According to her, those qualities are the core values enshrined in the Integrity Club stating that members are expected to live those values in their everyday activities as they are now the “Commission’s face”.
Speaking earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Elo-Charles Ikpa, appreciated and commended the EFCC on their efforts in inculcating good morals in the students. The word ‘Integrity’ has to do with soundness of mind, morals and standing firm in doing what is right. We have been teaching them this but with this initiative of the EFCC; I believe we will have a more productive result”, she said.
The highlight of the event was the oath-taking ceremony by the Club members, Executives and the Patrons, including the unveiling of the Integrity Club signpost and presentation of Integrity Club manuals and EFCC publications to the school.
