Olukoyede to youths: Use technology to hone useful skills — not scam people
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged youths to engage in lawful business ventures and steer clear of internet fraud.
Olukoyede spoke on Tuesday during a conference for youths and teenagers organised by the Rivers state chapter of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches.
The event took place at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre in Rivers state.
The EFCC chairman was represented at the conference by James Adayilo Hosea, deputy superintendent of the EFCC.
Speaking on the topic: ‘Internet fraud dangers, consequences and godly alternative’, Hosea said there are inherent dangers and consequences for young people who engage in cybercrime.
The anti-graft agency boss said peer pressure and the desire to get rich quick are the major factors driving youths’ involvement in internet fraud.
He warned that young people who engage in internet fraud risk arrest, conviction, jail terms, and the forfeiture of the assets they had acquired.
Olukoyede said youths can deploy technology in learning skills and creating products that would be of great benefit to the society instead of engaging in internet scam.
“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before career; comfortable lifestyle before they labour,” he said.
“They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Success without process rarely lasts. Peer pressure also leads some into committing internet crimes.
“God created every young person with unique gifts, talents, and a purpose. He did not create us to live by deception or dishonesty, but to be lights in our generation.
Instead of using technology to scam people, use it to create value and be responsible citizens by learning useful skills and contributing meaningfully to the growth of the economy.”