By Francis Wilfred
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to promote anti-corruption education and youth development across Nigeria.EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated this during the 53rd anniversary celebration of the NYSC held in Lagos on Friday.
Represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Babatunde Sulaiman, Head of Public Affairs, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Olukoyede described the NYSC as one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building institutions that has continued to foster unity, patriotism, discipline, and selfless service among young graduates.
He noted that for more than five decades, the scheme had played a significant role in bridging ethnic, cultural, and religious divides while nurturing generations of youths committed to national development. Olukoyede stressed that Nigerian youths remain central to the country’s future and urged them to take active roles in combating corruption, economic sabotage, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.
According to him, the anti-corruption fight cannot be left to the EFCC alone, but requires the collective efforts of patriotic citizens, particularly young people who represent the strength and hope of the nation. He said the partnership between the EFCC and NYSC reflects a shared vision of building a society anchored on integrity, accountability, transparency, and responsible citizenship.
Olukoyede added that sensitisation campaigns, community development projects, and anti-corruption advocacy involving corps members had strengthened their roles as agents of national unity and ambassadors of ethical values. He urged corps members to uphold honesty, discipline, hard work, and patriotism while rejecting fraud, corruption, and internet-related crimes.
Earlier, Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Christiana Salmwang, reflected on the origin and achievements of the scheme, noting that it was established in 1973 following the civil war to foster unity and national integration.
She said more than five million young Nigerians had participated in the scheme, contributing significantly to education, elections, emergency response, and community development. Salmwang described the NYSC uniform as a symbol of service and unity, stressing that the scheme had continued to connect Nigerians across ethnic and regional boundaries.
