Many Nigerian youths want cars before careers, rewards before work — EFCC chairman
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has criticised the growing desire among some Nigerian youths for quick wealth and a comfortable lifestyle without going through the process of hard work.
Olukoyede warned that the get-rich-quick mentality and peer pressure were among the major factors driving young people into internet fraud.
He spoke in Port Harcourt while addressing youths at a conference organised by the Rivers State chapter of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.
“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before career; comfortable lifestyle before they labour. They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way,” Olukoyede said.
“Success without process rarely lasts. Peer pressure also leads some into committing internet crimes.”
The EFCC chairman urged young Nigerians to pursue integrity and develop legitimate skills instead of using technology to defraud others.
He described internet fraud as the use of the internet, computers, mobile phones or social media platforms to deceive people for financial gain.
Olukoyede listed fake online investments, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency scams, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers among common forms of internet crime.
He warned that those involved in such crimes risk arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and forfeiture of assets.
“All you have laboured for will be taken away,” he said.
Addressing the youths as followers of Christ, Olukoyede urged them to stand out through honesty and integrity.
“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.
“Instead of using technology to scam people, use it to create value and be responsible citizens by learning useful skills and contributing meaningfully to the growth of the economy.”
The EFCC chairman also advised young people to choose their friends carefully, avoid get-rich-quick schemes, develop marketable skills and seek mentors with integrity.
