The Zonal Head of Ilorin Office of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Usman Muktar, on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 charged students of the Kwara State University, KWASU, Malete, to embrace the culture of integrity, hard work and national pride.
He expressed optimism that, “Nigeria would overcome the present challenges posed by corruption and other forms of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and cybercrime once Nigerians youths realise their potentials and channel it productively for the good of all.”
Muktar who spoke through the Head, Public Affairs Department of the Zone, Ayodele Babatunde, gave the charge in a keynote address entitled “EFCC And The Role Of The Youths In Curbing Cybercrime” at the 2020/2021 Orientation Programme for Students of KWASU, Malete, Kwara State.
According to him, “The EFCC values the fertile minds of the Nigerian youths and we will continue to ensure that we galvanize this critical component of the country in our anti-corruption crusade. We view the youth as the future anti-corruption warriors that will carry on the fight against corruption”.
While decrying the rate at which youths get involved in cybercrime, the EFCC boss noted that, “yahoo-yahoo is not a sustainable way of life, but a shortcut to fame and wealth which leads to is misery and regret”.
He urged Nigerians to ensure, “that the love of our country is paramount in their hearths” adding that, “the fight against corruption requires all hands to be on the deck for it to be won”.
He further urged Nigerian youths to take more than a passing interest in the affairs of their country, urging them to live above board and be willing to hold their leaders accountable. He also urged the students to become whistle blowers “by reporting acts that fail the simple test of integrity.”
“When you see something, say something; and don’t stop there, please do something”, he added.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of some of the publications of the Commission including the EFCC Establishment Act, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the EFCC and Zero Tolerance Magazine to the Vice Chancellor of the KWASU, Professor Mohammed M. Akanbi, SAN, represented by Professor Sulaiman Jamiu, the University’s former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics.
In his remarks shortly after the presentation, the VC’s representative, Professor Jamiu thanked the EFCC, promising that the books would be kept in the library for the benefit of both students and lecturers. He also pledged the varsity’s support for the anti-corruption war of the Commission.