By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief)
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission {EFCC}, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has charged youths graduating from secondary schools to shun activities related to cybercrime and be good ambassadors of Nigeria.
Bawa stated this as a guest speaker at the 16th Annual Graduation Ceremony of Capital Science Academy, Kuje, Abuja.
In a paper titled “Tackling Cyber Fraud: Inspiration to the Youths”, the Executive Chairman, who was represented by Olalekan Ogunjobi, an officer from the Cybercrime Section of the Commission, described the miserable end of cybercriminals and the futility of their actions. He discouraged the youths from believing in the get-rich-quick syndrome, adding that they can become whatever they want through hard work and sheer determination.
Reeling out the statistics of cybercrime in Nigeria, the Chairman pointed out that the EFCC which is the leading agency fighting economic and financial crimes in the country will leave no stone unturned until perpetrators of cybercrime are brought to book.
“We endeavor to increase the risk for cybercriminals and/or reduce the benefits of the crime by convicting them and retrieving everything they have gotten through cyber-delinquency”, said.
The Chairman also urged the graduating students to immediately join in the fight against economic and financial crimes as in the nearest future “we need you in the fight … as programmers, forensic analysts, financial analysts, investigators, developers, etc. I would enjoin you to summon the courage to distinguish yourself and not yield to peer pressure”.
Stressing that parents, guardians, teachers, and religious leaders have a very active role to play in tackling cyber fraud among the younger generation, the Chairman urged all and sundry to educate their wards/followers on the consequences of committing cyber fraud and the impact on the economy and society at large.
Appreciating the EFCC for the interesting engagement, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Rachel Borland, urged the students to adhere to the advice of the Chairman of the Commission and make the school, their families, and the entire nation proud. NNL.
