The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged students in Enugu State to reject internet fraud, concentrate on their studies, and acquire digital skills that will secure their future.
The charge was delivered during visits to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) and New Heaven Community Secondary School, as part of the Commission’s preventive and educational mandate.
As reported on EFCC’s X handle on Tuesday, at IMT, Olukoyede, represented by Superintendent Paul Ikpor, Head of Public Affairs at EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate, warned students that while cybercrime may seem lucrative, it ultimately destroys careers, reputations, and personal freedom.
He said, “Cybercrime is a criminal offence that attracts severe legal consequences. Many young people who engage in internet fraud often end up facing arrest, prosecution, and possible imprisonment, thereby truncating their dreams and bringing hardship to their families.”
The EFCC boss encouraged students to focus on skill acquisition and hard work as the pathway to lasting success. “Concentrate on your education and develop productive skills that can help you build legitimate careers in the rapidly growing technology sector. You can explore opportunities in areas like software development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, graphic design, and other information technology fields that are in high demand globally,” he said.
At New Heaven Community Secondary School, Olukoyede emphasized the importance of integrity and innovation. He urged pupils to use technology as a tool for development rather than criminal activity.
“Integrity remains one of the most important values for young people who aspire to lead in the future. Building a culture of honesty and accountability at an early stage in life will help you develop into responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to national development,” he said.
Describing cybercrime as “the fastest form of self-destruction,” he reminded students that they represent the next generation of leaders and must cultivate responsibility, respect for the law, and ethical values from an early age.
He concluded, “We are calling on you to become ambassadors of integrity within your schools and communities by rejecting internet fraud and embracing hard work, discipline, and lawful means of success.”
