The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to alleged misinterpretation of a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede over the increasing involvement of Nigerian youths in internet fraud.
In a press statement made available to journalists on Thursday by the head of media and publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft commission stressed the need for media education as a solution to counter the trend of misinformation. According to the statement, Olukoyede did not state that seven out of ten Nigerian students are criminals, but rather highlighted the importance of addressing and reversing the youth's involvement in cybercrimes.
The EFCC assures that the Chairman is committed to the progress of Nigerian youth and calls for collaborative interventions to provide more productive and sustainable alternatives for them.
The statement reads: "The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, has been drawn to some needless misrepresentation of the concerns of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede to the rising incidences of internet- related crimes involving youths across the country.
"At a recent meeting with some representatives of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs that paid him a courtesy visit, he called for wider media enlightenment of youths as a counter- measure against the menace of internet fraud. He did say that reports and intelligence available to him indicated that, unless this trajectory of youth involvement in internet fraud is addressed and reversed, the future of their leadership of our great nation may be threatened and if it continues in the next 10 years, 7 out 10 of our youths may be getting involved in cybercrimes. At no time did he say that "seven out of 10" Nigerian students are criminals". His concerns still bother on breaking the jinx of mass indulgence of youths in cybercrimes.
"The EFCC wishes to assure the public that Olukoyede is doubly committed to the progress of Nigerian youths and this underscores his calls for collaborative interventions in offering them more productive and sustainable alternatives", the statement reads.