African Anti- Corruption Day: EFCC Advocates Greater Youth Involvement In Anti- Graft War

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulkarim Chukkol has called for more involvement of youths in the fight against economic and financial crimes as a potent means of addressing rising moral decay in the society.  

He made the call on Tuesday,  July 12, 2023 at the  commemoration of the African Union Anti-Corruption Day 2023 in Abuja.

According to him, raising more awareness among youths against corruption in Nigeria will commit them to shunning criminalities and moral compromises. 

  “For us in the EFCC, we are concerned more with the involvement of youths in economic and financial crimes, most importantly cybercrimes.  A critical look at Secondary and Tertiary institutions reveals, an extreme situation of moral decay with a generation of Nigerian youths now hostage to cybercrimes," he said. 

The EFCC's boss who spoke through the Abuja Head of Operations, Mr. Liman Ibrahim,  urged participants at the Conference and  other well- meaning Nigerians to actively participate in the fight against corruption in Africa by embracing  new strategies to take the campaign to new heights, stressing that a corrupt -free Nigeria and Africa is feasible. 

In his welcome address, the Country Representative of  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC in Nigeria,  Oliver Stolpe, commended Nigeria for its path- finding roles in tackling corruption in Africa.

In her opening remarks, Head, Technical Unit on Government and Anti-Corruption Reforms, TUGAR, Mrs. Jane O. Onwumere,called on the participants to join hands to fight and bring corruption to the barest minimum. “We must recommit to collective action in preventing and addressing corruption from the roots as we reflect on initiatives put in place, the challenges and offer recommendations",  she said. 

In his keynote address, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Brigadier General A. G. Laka says the ant-corruption stance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is all- embracing, cutting across all spheres of government including the private sector. 

“Corruption is not only a serious challenge, but poised to fighting back recklessly. All hands must remain on deck to sustain the campaign with vigour until the menace is subdued for the betterment of our society and the African continent at large"

He further called on all participants to enrich the dialogue with insights and  perspectives that will berth new strategies in an  effort to tackle corruption and its impact on the African continent.

The 2023 African Anti- Corruption Day themed:  African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, AUCPCC, 20 YEARS After: Achievements and Prospects”, was attended by representatives of anti- corruption agencies in Nigeria and other critical stakeholders.