The Commander, Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, on Friday, August 11, 2023 called on the youths to shun all forms of corrupt practices and align themselves with the campaign against the malaise.

He gave the charge while addressing students of the Department of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin who came on a study tour to the EFCC’s Office, GRA, Ilorin.

Nzekwe told the visiting students that, “success in the fight against economic and financial crimes, including corruption, can only be achieved when stakeholders, especially the youths, embrace the fight”.

He called on the students to take their studies seriously, while also urging them to shun all acts of criminality and embrace hard work as a means to earning a legitimate livelihood.

“I encourage you all to keep away from cybercrime popularly called ‘yahoo-yahoo’ and also tell your friends not to get involved. The best way for you to earn fame and pride is through hard work and commitment to your studies. Do not make yahoo-yahoo a way of life. It might deliver wealth in the short term but ultimately, it leads to misery”, Nzekwe said.

He said that, “the Commission is working towards ensuring that corruption studies are embedded in education curricula and taught at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

"We believe catching them young is very important. Some of your colleagues have been convicted for cybercrime. It breaks my heart to see young people committing crimes. The Commission is particularly not happy about that, that’s why we advocate, and campaign at all times against it”, Nzekwe said.

Earlier, the Head of Public Affairs Department of the Ilorin Zonal Command, Ayodele Babatunde, gave a brief background of the EFCC, its mandate, functions and core values.

In her remarks, Dr. (Mrs) Foluke Bolu-Steve appreciated the EFCC on behalf of the Head of Department of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin, for hosting the students. She advocated the inclusion of counselors in the advocacy team of the EFCC and pledged the support of the Department to the anti-corruption campaign.