Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged students nationwide to embrace the values of accountability, transparency, and integrity. Olukoyede also cautioned the youth against financial or economic crime, including corruption.

The head of the EFCC delivered the charge to Epitome Model Islamic School students during the 12th workshop for teens, organized by the Alhabibiyah Islamic Society, on Tuesday, 13 August 2024 to position youths on the path of living anti-corruption lives.

In a statement, the anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said that Olukoyede, who was represented by Aisha Mohammed, Assistant Commander of the EFCC’s Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, said that accountability, responsibility, openness, and honesty were the cornerstones of transparency.

He asserts, “You could argue that transparency means being sincere and upfront. The ability to take responsibility for one’s conduct is known as accountability, but the trait of having strong moral convictions is known as integrity.

“Accountability guarantees that people and organizations accept responsibility for their deeds; it encourages answerability and justifications for choices and acts. Olukoyede stated, at the EFCC, we say that integrity is acting honorably even when no one is watching you.”

The head of the EFCC urged the students to avoid financial vices but also clarified that the organization’s duties included prosecuting and averting economic and financial crimes and investigating and stopping corruption. He remarked, “That is why we have come to speak with you today: to ensure you avoid corruption.”

Speaking at the event as well, EFCC Chief Superintendent Katerine Okeke asked the students to work together with the commission to combat corruption and improve life in Nigeria for all. She stated, “We have to fight corruption and promote openness, accountability, and integrity to help you become good citizens of Nigeria. That is the message we brought to your school.”

In her remarks, Hajiya Rafat Salami, on behalf of the school management, expressed gratitude to the EFCC for their interaction with students and their positive working relationship with the Commission.

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