The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has advised corps members against engaging in internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo.
This is as he harped on integrity and dedication, saying that the harsh economic situation in the country is not a license for anyone to engage in crime.
He said this while addressing the Batch “B” Stream II corps members across the federation on Wednesday.
Speaking on the Role of Youth in Curbing Corruption at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja, Bawa who was represented by Tony Orilade, Head of Public Interface Unit, described youths as critical stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
“One critical group of stakeholders are the youths. Apart from the fact that they are considered as the leaders of tomorrow, most economic crimes, especially cybercrimes are committed by young people. It therefore follows that young people must not be mere spectators in the anti-graft campaign. Rather, they should actually be the foot soldiers, leading the mass route of corruption and economic crimes out of our land,” he said.
The EFCC boss charged the corps members to become whistleblowers in any place they find themselves, especially in their place of primary assignment.
He urged them to report acts that fail the simple test of integrity, instead of lamenting that things are not right with the country.
He said, “We are inviting you to lend a hand in helping us build a society where there is respect for law and order and where impunity is a thing of the past. We urge you, when you see something, to say something; and don’t stop there, please do something!”
The Head, Public Affairs Department, Lagos Zonal Command, Ayo Oyewole who represented Bawa at the orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, reminded the youth that there is no shortcut to wealth and fame.
He said, “The fact that the rate of unemployment is high should not be an excuse to resort to crimes. Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term, but ultimately there will be misery and gnashing of teeth.
“We are calling on youths to embrace hard work and shun crimes. Yahoo Yahoo is not a sustainable way of life.”
The anti-graft czar thanked the NYSC for giving the Commission the opportunity to impact the corps members, while tasking the youths to stay away from acts of criminality.
“Yahoo Yahoo is not a sustainable way of life. It is painful when our operatives arrest as much as 50 Yahoo Yahoo boys in a single raid. Add your voice to mine, because the fight against economic and financial crimes involves you and I, while I play my part, you will play yours”, he said.
