Innovate and Inspire, Shun Internet Fraud-Olukoyede Charges Students

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to shun internet fraud and positively embrace the digital landscape by harnessing their skills and creativity in order to contribute positively to the society

He gave this charge on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at a sensitization lecture at Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, as part of the Commission’s mandate to discourage the Nigerian youths from cyber- related crimes.

Speaking on “Alternatives to Cybercrimes for Youths: Embracing Positive Digital Engagement”, Olukoyede, who was represented by Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Paul Inyang Ikpor, Head of Public Affairs Department, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, said that by focusing on constructive alternatives, youths can become advocates for a safer and more inclusive online community, thereby redefining what it means to be a responsible digital citizen. “There are numerous positive and proactive alternatives that you can adopt that can enable you to channel your skills and ambitions into constructive avenues. Embracing the power of technology for good, not only benefits you but lays the foundation for a brighter and more ethical digital future”, he said.

Outlining alternatives to cybercrimes, the EFCC boss said that cyber-security education and careers, creative digital content creation, open source projects and collaboration, volunteering for non-profit organizations, game development and designs, building apps that solve problems are viable alternatives to internet fraud.

“As digital technologies continue to evolve, the demand for cyber security professionals is skyrocketing. You can harness your skills by pursuing education in cyber security, ethical hacking or information technology. This path not only provides a rewarding career, but also allows you to contribute positively to society by helping organizations protect sensitive information”, he said.

According to the anti-graft czar, with platforms like YouTube, Tik-Tok and Instagram, young people can express their creativity and share their passions with the world. He noted that content creating ranges from vlogging and video editing to graphic design and writing. “By investing time in these activities, you can build a personal brand, gain an audience and potentially monetize your content”, he said.

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He said that many non-profit organizations are seeking tech-savvy volunteers who can help them with their digital needs, whether building websites, managing social media accounts or developing apps for educational purposes. “By volunteering, you can gain real-world experience while making a meaningful impact. This engagement fosters empathy, teamwork and a sense of responsibility, reinforcing the positive side of technology”, he said

He also enjoined the students to equally explore the option of learning programming languages and tools required for game design as it can steer them away from negative online interactions and plunge them into creative process, adding that by developing games that focus on education, teamwork or social issues, they can make a positive contribution to the gaming community and influence their peers.