The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has charged youths across the country to follow the path of integrity for a secure future.
He gave the charge in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, while addressing youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Rivers State Chapter. The conference, held at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre, focused on addressing social vices.
Speaking through Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC (DSE), James Adayilo Hosea, on the topic, “Internet Fraud: Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative,” Olukoyede described internet fraud as the use of the internet, computers, mobile phones or social media platforms to deceive people for financial gain.
He highlighted the dangers associated with the crime and its consequences on the future of young fraudsters, while also identifying righteous alternatives available to young people.
He identified various forms of internet crimes to include fake online investments, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency scams, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers.
According to him, the consequences of internet fraud include arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and possible asset forfeiture. “All you have laboured for will be taken away,” he said.
He identified peer pressure and the desire to get rich quickly as major factors motivating youths to engage in internet fraud.
“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before a career; a comfortable lifestyle before they labour. They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Success without process rarely lasts. Peer pressure also leads some into committing internet crimes,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman called on youths, as followers of Christ, to stand apart and demonstrate integrity in all their endeavours.
“God created every young person with unique gifts, talents and a purpose. He did not create us to live by deception or dishonesty, but to be lights in our generation,” he said.
He urged youths to use technology positively by creating value, developing useful skills and contributing meaningfully to the growth of the economy rather than using it to defraud others.
Olukoyede advised the youths to choose their friends wisely, avoid get-rich-quick schemes, develop marketable skills, seek mentors with integrity, spend time in prayer and the Word of God, create personal development plans, focus on long-term success rather than instant gratification, and use technology to create value instead of exploiting others.
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