By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has declared Nigerian youths as the nation’s most potent force in the fight against corruption, describing them not just as “leaders of tomorrow” but as the “essential rebuilders of today.”
The EFCC boss who spoke through the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC, Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday Ebelo as a guest of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, PCACC, outlined a new vision for collaboration among institutions and the younger generation, stating that the 2025 theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” was a masterstroke that recognized youth as the most powerful force for transformative change.
“We categorically reject the narrow view that casts young people as passive victims or willing participants in corruption. We see in you as the most potent antibodies to the virus of corruption”, he said.
Continuing, Olukoyede lamented the impact of corruption, describing the menace as the major bane of development and the direct result of instabilities and uncertainties in the country.
“Corruption is not an abstract political term, it is a direct thief of your opportunities, your potential, and your future”, he said.
Olukoyode further challenged the Nigerian youth to be advocates of transparency and patriots of the digital age.
“I challenge you to be integrity champions in your schools, transparency advocates in your communities and digital patriots online. See reporting corruption not as an act of betrayal, but as the ultimate act of patriotism. Your voice is your power”, he said.
“We must evolve. We must create more youth-friendly platforms for engagement. This is the meaning of ‘uniting with’ you, not speaking to you, but walking alongside you. On this World Anti-Corruption Day 2025, let us make a solemn pledge. Let us move from commemoration to concrete collaboration. Let us pledge to empower this generation not as bystanders, but as co-architects of a new system.”
The EFCC boss also urged the youths to use secure platforms like the EFCC’s Eagle Eye App reporting channel to actively participate in safeguarding national integrity.
He envisioned “a Nigeria where success is earned, service is sacred, and integrity is our most cherished national asset.”
Mr Ebelo also took the anti corruption message to ‘Wazobia” Radio where he appeared on a special live radio show and responded to questions from listeners and paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
