He described the youth as one of the most strategic stakeholders in nation-building, adding that they could confront and conquer corrupt practices if they were willing to be change agents in their various engagements.

Abdulrasheed Bawa

Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said that the high level of unemployment and poverty in the country is not justification for youths to engage in criminal-related activities such as fraud.

The Commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement in Abuja.

He reported Bawa as saying this in a lecture titled: “The Roles of Youths in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes,” delivered at the Orientation/ Matriculation programme for fresh students of the Lagos State University, Lagos.

Bawa said poverty should not be an excuse for criminality, just as unemployment should not be a basis for defrauding others of their hard-earned incomes by youths who are involved in internet fraud.

The EFCC boss was represented by ACE1 Michael Wetkaz, Commander, Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC.

He described the youth as one of the most strategic stakeholders in nation-building, adding that they could confront and conquer corrupt practices if they showed a willingness to be change agents in their various engagements.

“You cannot tackle any crime that you are committing. Be change agents by refusing to be involved in, facilitate or perpetrate any form of economic crime.

“In your interactions within and outside the school environment, steer clear of criminality. This way, you can positively influence everyone around you,” he said.