*Says it’s worrisome that 7 out of 10 students are involved in cyber crimes

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called for wider media enlightenment of youths across the country on the effects of indulgence in internet fraud.

Olukoyede spoke Abuja on Monday while receiving a delegation of Daar Communication Plc (owner of Africa Independent Television – AIT) that came on a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of the EFCC in Jabi, Abuja.

The EFCC boss also decried the unsavoury effects of youth’s involvement in internet-related crimes, saying that the practice has become a menace and cankerworm in the society.

He also called on the media to design programmes aimed at enlightening youths on the evil of the crimes.

Olukoyede said, “ We are looking towards Daar Communications to enlighten our youths on the evils of cyber crimes. It is worrisome that seven out of 10 students today are involved in cyber crimes. These are the youths we are preparing to be leaders of tomorrow. The media should not relent in enlightening them on the evils of such criminal practices”.

He commended the Management of Daar Communications on its commitment to broadcasting in Nigeria, pointing out that its impact is real. He also applauded the media outfit for its contributions to the enlightenment campaigns of the EFCC against corrupt practices, promising that the Commission will continue to partner with it in its continuing public awareness against economic and financial crimes.

The Chief Executive Officer of Daar Communications Plc, Mr Tony Akiotu, had earlier in his presentation, congratulated Olukoyede on his appointment as the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, describing him “as a square peg in a square hole”.

Akiotu also explained that his delegation came to the Commission “ to offer you our friendship, goodwill and support “.

He also talked about the commitment of Daar Communications to corporate social responsibilities, stressing that “ we do a lot of CSR. We are the only media outfit in Nigeria that does CSR for people having health challenges. The same level of CSR can be extended to government agencies like the EFCC”.

He used the occasion to present some of the upcoming programmes of the outfit to the Commission. Akiotu was accompanied on the visit by top officials of Daar Communications Plc, including Managing Director of AIT, Mrs Tosin Dokpesi.