In a compelling address to the youth of Benin-City, Edo State, Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has issued a stark warning against the allure of cybercrime.
Speaking at the ‘Youth Empowerment Against Cybercrime’ programme, an initiative by Cybersecurity Education Initiatives (CYSED), Olukoyede’s message was clear: the path of cybercrime leads only to ruin.
Represented by Williams Oseghale, Head of the Public Affairs Department at the Benin Zonal Command, Olukoyede highlighted the grave consequences awaiting those who venture into cybercriminal activities. With the EFCC’s robust legal framework to back its operations, the commission has vowed to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice any individuals found guilty of such crimes.
“In recent years, the Commission has not only secured thousands of convictions but has also stripped offenders of their ill-gotten gains, leaving many to face the repercussions of their actions in shame,” Oseghale conveyed on behalf of Olukoyede. The message was unequivocal: the Commission’s resolve against cybercrime is unwavering, and the notion of an ‘escape route’ is a fallacy.
Amid the cautionary tales, however, was a call to constructive action. Olukoyede encouraged the youth to redirect their talents and energy towards harnessing the internet for innovation and positive economic contributions. He envisioned a future where young minds leverage digital platforms not for deception and theft, but for creating solutions that cater to the needs of industries, homes, and governments.
Moses Joshua, the Executive Director of CYSED, further reinforced this vision, stating the programme’s objective to instill resilience against the temptations of cybercrime and other serious organized crimes (SOC). Through knowledge enhancement and awareness campaigns, CYSED aims to foster behavioral change among the youth, steering them towards a path of ethical digital engagement and away from the destructive cycle of SOC activities.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort to protect and empower the youth, nurturing a generation of ethical digital citizens poised to contribute positively to the societal fabric. With the EFCC’s stern warning and CYSED’s educational outreach, the message is clear: the future lies in innovation, not in crime.
