The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged young women to reject corruption and fraudulent practices while using their talents and influence to promote integrity, hard work and national development. Olukoyede gave the charge in Abuja during the graduation and award ceremony of……
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged young women to reject corruption and fraudulent practices while using their talents and influence to promote integrity, hard work and national development.
Olukoyede gave the charge in Abuja during the graduation and award ceremony of the African Girl Guide (AGG) 12-Week Leadership Exposure Programme, held on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
The EFCC Chairman’s message was contained in a statement via the Commission’s X handle on Monday, August 31.
Represented by the Head of the EFCC Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, Olukoyede said the training had equipped the participants with the knowledge and values needed to make positive contributions to society.
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He said the programme was particularly relevant to the fight against corruption, stressing that character development was essential in preventing young people from embracing fraudulent lifestyles.
“Your theme is exactly what Nigeria needs. In EFCC, we fight the ‘yahoo yahoo’ and the ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality that is destroying many of our youth. But we know law enforcement alone is not enough; we need home training; we need the Girl Guide training,” he said.
According to him, corruption often begins with compromises in character, making integrity and proper values important in shaping future leaders.
“In EFCC, we know that corruption starts with a compromise of character. And character is what you are building here,” Olukoyede said.
He urged the graduates to reject fraud, examination malpractice, bribery and other forms of dishonest conduct, while encouraging them to lead with purpose and use their influence positively.
“Be the girl who says no to fraud, no to shortcuts, and yes to hard work. Your influence is powerful when you pool it together,” he said.
Olukoyede also assured the young women that the EFCC would continue to collaborate with youth organisations to create opportunities for young Nigerians to positively develop and harness their talents.
“Nigeria’s future is in your hands, and we are counting on you to be women of integrity in school, in business, in government and in the home,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, urged the graduates to embrace integrity, confidence, courage, responsibility and continuous learning as essential qualities of leadership.
Issa-Onilu, represented by Margaret Yenami, Deputy Director, Abuse Rights Narcotics Department of NOA, said the National Values Charter was designed to reconnect Nigerians with values that define the nation, noting that leadership was one of its key principles.
“Leadership is not all about wielding authority, giving command, or giving orders. It is all about your ability to create positive change, do what is right and inspire others,” he said.
He urged the graduates to represent Nigeria positively wherever they found themselves.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, described AGG as an important partner in the fight against human trafficking and other forms of abuse.
Bello, represented by NAPTIP’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Kehinde Akomolafe, said the programme had equipped the participants with knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others from exploitation.
She urged the young women to know their rights, protect their dreams and become guides to others.
The founder of African Girl Guide, Jindu Peter Elueze, thanked government agencies, partners, parents and other stakeholders for supporting the programme.
Elueze stressed the importance of empowering women and girls, saying, “The value of a woman should not be underestimated.”
He described the programme as a journey of transformation and empowerment and expressed confidence that the participants had been adequately equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
The programme also featured the presentation of the “Distinguished Integrity” and “Legacy Advocacy” awards to Olukoyede in recognition of his “outstanding commitment to integrity, ethical leadership, accountability, and valuable contribution to inspiring young women to becoming principled and responsible leaders through the African Girl Guide.”
