The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on trainees in Enugu State to reject internet fraud and welcome digital skills as a pathway to a protected and significant future.
Olukoyede made the appeal during different engagements with students at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) and New Heaven Community Secondary School, as part of the Commission’s preventive and sensitization efforts against cybercrime.
Represented by Superintendent of the EFCC, Paul Ikpor, Head of Public Affairs at the Enugu Zonal Directorate, the EFCC employer warned that involvement in internet scams may seem gratifying in the short term however ultimately leads to ravaging consequences.
“Cybercrime is a criminal offense that draws in serious legal consequences. Numerous youths who engage in web fraud typically wind up facing arrest, prosecution and possible imprisonment, thus truncating their dreams and bringing hardship to their families,” he mentioned.
Addressing undergraduates at IMT, Olukoyede stressed the importance of education and skill acquisition, advising students to resist peer pressure and the lure of fast, illegal wealth.
“Concentrate on your education and establish productive abilities that can assist you build genuine professions in the rapidly growing innovation sector. You can explore opportunities in software development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, graphic design and other infotech fields that remain in high demand globally,” he recommended.
At New Paradise Community Secondary School, he worried the requirement to develop a culture of stability from an early phase, motivating pupils to utilize innovation as a tool for advancement rather than criminality.
“Stability stays among the most important values for young people who aspire to lead in the future. Building a culture of sincerity and accountability early in life will assist you end up being responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to nationwide development,” he said.
Describing internet scams as “the fastest type of self-destruction,” Olukoyede prompted students to see themselves as future leaders and ambassadors of integrity.
“We are contacting you to end up being ambassadors of integrity within your schools and communities by turning down web scams and accepting hard work, discipline and legal means of success,” he included.