The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in promoting anti-corruption education and youth development across the country.
Olukoyede made the pledge during the 53rd anniversary celebration of the NYSC held on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Lagos.
Represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Babatunde Sulaiman, the EFCC chairman described the NYSC scheme as one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building institutions.
According to him, the scheme has continued to promote unity, patriotism, discipline and selfless service among young graduates across the country.
“For over five decades, the scheme has continued to bridge ethnic, cultural, and religious divides, while nurturing generations of youths committed to national development,” he said.
Olukoyede also stressed the important role Nigerian youths must play in the fight against corruption, economic sabotage and cybercrime.
“The fight against corruption, economic sabotage, cybercrime, and other financial crimes cannot be left to the EFCC alone. It requires the collective commitment of patriotic citizens, especially young people, who represent the strength and hope of Nigeria,” he stated.
He added that the partnership between the EFCC and NYSC reflects a shared vision of building a society founded on integrity, accountability, transparency and responsible citizenship.
According to him, sustained sensitisation programmes, community development initiatives and anti-corruption advocacy involving corps members have positioned them as agents of national unity and ambassadors of ethical values.
Olukoyede further urged corps members to embrace honesty, discipline and patriotism while rejecting all forms of fraud and criminality.
“Reject every form of fraud, corruption, and criminality, including internet-related offences that threaten the image and progress of our nation. True success is built on integrity, not shortcuts,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, Christiana Salmwang reflected on the history and achievements of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973.
“Fifty-three years ago, in the aftermath of the civil war that tested our unity, Nigeria made a bold choice: we chose to build bridges over barriers and service over self. And that choice became the NYSC,” she said.
“Today, we gather not just to mark 53 years of the NYSC, but to celebrate 53 years of courage, service, and nation-building by over five million young Nigerians who answered the clarion call.”
She noted that corps members have continued to contribute significantly to national development through teaching, election duties and emergency response efforts across the country.
“The ‘Khaki’ is not just a uniform; it is a promise that no part of Nigeria is too far and no Nigerian too different to serve,” Salmwang added.
