President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has staunchly opposed the unfair stereotyping of Nigerians as inherently corrupt, emphasizing the need to reject blanket mislabeling during a Public Engagement on Youth, Religion, and the Fight Against Corruption organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu commended the EFCC for serving as a moral compass and awakening the nation’s conscience. He condemned the unjust association of internet crimes with the entire Nigerian populace, highlighting the lack of statistical evidence and its misalignment with the everyday sociology of Nigerians.
In clear terms, he rejected the notion that all Nigerians should be judged based on the actions of a few, emphasizing, “Our nation comprises hardworking, honest citizens who contribute significantly to various fields globally, from Artificial Intelligence to medicine.”
Acknowledging the global threat of cybercrimes, President Tinubu assured the EFCC of the government’s unwavering support in the battle against digital offenses. He also outlined proactive measures, including the establishment of a Students Loan Board to financially support young Nigerians, discouraging their involvement in unlawful activities.
President Tinubu conveyed a clear message to the youth, urging them to explore lawful opportunities and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. He emphasized the wide horizon of possibilities across various sectors and encouraged the youth to make the most of these prospects.
Furthermore, he called on religious leaders to guide the youth, and he urged government agencies (MDAs) to collaborate with the EFCC in streamlining governance processes and ensuring judicious use of resources for the benefit of all citizens.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, echoed concerns over corruption’s detrimental effects, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the justice system to indict and discipline any established acts of corruption. He urged collaborative efforts to counteract corruption in the nation, acknowledging that the youth are influenced by this pervasive issue they did not create.