ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has declared that neither poverty nor unemployment should be used as a justification for involvement in computer-related frauds.
This statement was made on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, during a lecture at the Orientation/Matriculation programme for fresh students of Lagos State University, Lagos, where Bawa was represented by ACE1 Michael Wetkaz, the Commander of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC.
In his lecture titled “The Roles of Youths in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes,” Bawa stated that poverty should not be an excuse for criminality and unemployment should not serve as a basis for defrauding others of their hard-earned incomes.
He emphasized the importance of young people being proactive and instrumental in the fight against corruption, particularly internet fraud.
Bawa described the youth as one of the most critical stakeholders in nation-building, asserting that they have the potential to confront and conquer corrupt practices, provided they show a willingness to act as agents of change in their various activities and engagements.
Addressing the students, the EFCC Chairman said, “You cannot tackle any crime that you are committing. Be change agents by refusing to be involved in, facilitate, or perpetrate any form of economic crime.
In your interactions within and outside the school environment, steer clear of criminality. This way, you can positively influence everyone around you.”
