EFCC chair Ola Olukoyede has called on youths across the country to unite and take the lead in the fight against corruption.

Mr Olukoyede made the call in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders at a Town Hall Meeting in preparation for commemorating the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day.

The 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day will be held on December 9  with the theme ‘Uniting the Youths Against Corruption’.

He decried the adverse impact of corruption on the prospects of young people and the urgent need for collective action.

According to him, corruption limits the opportunities for self-actualisation and tilts the playing field in favour of a privileged few.

“A corrupt society cannot provide the equal opportunities that every young person needs to thrive,” he said.

The EFCC boss lamented the increasing allure of internet fraud among the youth, describing it as a threat to their future.

“The allure of easy money through cybercrime draws many young people into criminality. However, there is no sustainable success in internet fraud; it only leads to a grim future.

“Youths must reject such practices and embrace integrity,” he said.

Mr Olukoyede also urged the youth to lend forces and voices in support of activities of anti-corruption agencies, like the EFCC.

“Progress-inclined youths should be more vibrant in identifying with the activities of the commission. There are structures in place for active engagement with youths at the EFCC,” he said.

Mr Olukoyede explained that there is a need for the existence of EFCC’s anti-corruption clubs in primary, secondary and higher institutions across the country.

He advanced support for whistleblowing as another potent means of tackling graft by young people.

“There is no way corruption can be tackled if we allow it around us without a challenge. Youths have formidable roles to play in this regard. There is a need for stronger energy against the corrupt in our midst.  No effort is too little and no sacrifice is too tasking in this regard,” the EFCC boss said.

(NAN)