Abuja, Nigeria – Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has cautioned young girls across Nigeria against the growing menace of sextortion and cybercrime, urging them to embrace integrity, self-reliance and responsible citizenship.
Olukoyede gave the warning on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, organized by the African Girl Guild (AGG) under the theme, “Invest in Her, Empower Her and Let Her Lead.”
Represented by the Head of the EFCC Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Aisha Muhammed, the anti-graft agency boss said criminal syndicates increasingly exploit vulnerable young women through sextortion schemes, using compromising situations to extort money and manipulate victims.
He urged girls to maintain integrity in their relationships and avoid falling prey to criminals.
“Girls need to be careful about relationships and not fall into the antics of criminals and sextortionists. Integrity in a relationship will safeguard you against such villains. A girl with integrity will always outlast a girl with only make-up. Your integrity is your crown. Do not sell it cheap,” he said.
Olukoyede also warned against involvement in cybercrime, noting that some young women serve as account holders or accomplices for internet fraudsters.
“If you engage in cybercrime; if you become an account mule for Yahoo boys; if you blackmail people online, you are not just committing a crime, you are destroying Nigeria’s image,” he said.
The EFCC chairman stressed the importance of financial literacy and lawful income generation, encouraging girls to acquire practical and digital skills such as coding, content creation, tailoring and baking.
He advised them to cultivate responsible financial habits, including saving a portion of their earnings and avoiding the use of personal bank accounts for fraudulent transactions.
“A responsible girl child reports wrongdoing, respects the law and understands that she is a stakeholder in Project Nigeria. Financial awareness is self-defence. Don’t let anyone use your account to commit fraud. That account in your name can take you to prison,” he warned.
According to him, economic independence remains key to empowerment and helps young women resist exploitation and unethical influences.
He said the EFCC’s establishment of Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in schools nationwide is aimed at raising a generation of ethical leaders and ambassadors of integrity.
Speaking at the event, Denen Petronella, Executive Assistant to the founder of the African Girl Guild, Jindu Peter, emphasized the importance of investing in girls through education, mentorship, protection and leadership opportunities.
She said empowering girls goes beyond preparing them for the future and involves creating the support systems necessary for their success.
“At African Girl Guide, we believe a girl should not only be prepared for her future; she should be given the confidence, support and opportunities to help shape it. She learns; she leads; she thrives,” Petronella stated.
As part of its empowerment initiatives, the organisation announced the launch of the AGG Camp Amani School Club, a platform designed to help girls develop leadership skills, build confidence and explore opportunities throughout the academic year.
The event attracted representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies, educational institutions, as well as students from various secondary schools in Abuja.
