Olukoyode Reaffirms Hope in Capacity of Youth to Fight Corruption

Kano, Nigeria — December 9, 2025

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed his confidence in Nigerian youths as the nation’s most powerful force in the battle against corruption. Describing young people not only as “leaders of tomorrow” but as the “essential rebuilders of today,” Olukoyede emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s integrity architecture rests heavily on the shoulders of its youth.

Speaking through the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Friday Ebelo, at an event hosted by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Olukoyede outlined a renewed strategy for synergy between institutions and the younger generation. He praised the 2025 theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” describing it as a masterstroke that recognizes young people as the most transformative agents of national change.
“We categorically reject the narrow view that casts young people as passive victims or willing participants in corruption. We see in you the most potent antibodies to the virus of corruption,” he declared.

Olukoyede lamented the deep-rooted consequences of corruption, noting that it remains the nation’s greatest impediment to development and a direct cause of instability. “Corruption is not an abstract political term,” he emphasized. “It is a direct thief of your opportunities, your potential, and your future.”
He challenged Nigerian youths to take ownership of integrity-building across all spheres of society by becoming transparency champions in schools, communities, and digital spaces. “I challenge you to be integrity champions in your schools, transparency advocates in your communities and digital patriots online. See reporting corruption not as an act of betrayal, but as the ultimate act of patriotism. Your voice is your power,” he stated.

Calling for deeper youth engagement, the EFCC chairman noted the need for more inclusive platforms that encourage active participation. “We must evolve. We must create more youth-friendly platforms for engagement. This is the meaning of ‘uniting with’ you — not speaking to you, but walking alongside you. On this World Anti-Corruption Day 2025, let us make a solemn pledge. Let us move from commemoration to concrete collaboration.”
He urged young Nigerians to make use of secure reporting tools, especially the EFCC’s Eagle Eye App, to contribute to safeguarding the nation’s integrity. Olukoyede further envisioned “a Nigeria where success is earned, service is sacred, and integrity is our most cherished national asset.”

As part of the day’s activities, ACE I Friday Ebelo also took the anti-corruption message to Wazobia Radio, where he participated in a special live show, responding to questions from listeners. He also paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, strengthening inter-agency cooperation in the collective fight against corruption.
With renewed calls for action and strengthened partnerships, the EFCC hopes to harness the energy, innovation, and patriotism of young Nigerians to build a more transparent and accountable nation.