The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to shun internet fraud and embrace integrity, hard work and legitimate means of achieving success.

Olukoyede gave the charge on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, while addressing youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Rivers State Chapter, at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre.

The conference focused on addressing social vices among young people.

Speaking through an EFCC Deputy Superintendent, James Adayilo Hosea, on the topic, “Internet Fraud: Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative,” Olukoyede described internet fraud as the use of the internet, computers, mobile phones and social media to deceive people for financial gain.

He warned that involvement in cybercrime could have serious consequences for young people, including arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and forfeiture of assets.

“All you have laboured for will be taken away,” the EFCC chairman cautioned.

Olukoyede identified fake online investments, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency scams, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers among common forms of internet fraud.

According to him, peer pressure and the desire to become wealthy quickly are major factors driving some youths into cybercrime.

“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before career; comfortable lifestyle before they labour. They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way,” he said.

He warned that success achieved without a legitimate process was unlikely to last, adding that peer pressure could also push young people into criminal activities.

The EFCC chairman urged the youths, particularly those who profess Christianity, to uphold integrity and distinguish themselves through honest conduct.

“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,” he said.

Olukoyede encouraged young people to channel their knowledge of technology into productive ventures capable of creating value and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.

“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,” he advised.

He also urged the youths to choose their friends carefully, avoid get-rich-quick schemes, develop marketable skills and seek mentors with integrity.

Other recommendations included spending time in prayer and studying the Bible, developing personal development plans, pursuing long-term goals rather than instant gratification, and using technology to create opportunities instead of exploiting others.

Olukoyede stressed that making responsible choices and embracing legitimate opportunities would help young Nigerians build sustainable futures while contributing positively to society.