The Technical Advisor to the Governor on Youth Inclusion, Ayò Òjó, has sent a passionate message to Ekiti youths concerning the newly established EFCC Zonal Office in the state capital, urging them to see the agency as a partner in progress rather than a threat to their livelihoods.
Speaking exclusively to JIROLTV, on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti,Òjó addressed growing concerns and frustrations among young people and business owners who fear the anti-graft agency’s presence could cripple local businesses, hotels, and markets. He declared emphatically that this is not about fighting the youth but about fighting crime that hurts everyone, especially the future of the state. He explained that the EFCC office is here to make things better, not worse, helping victims of fraud get justice faster without long travels while showing the world that Ekiti is serious about clean business and real opportunities.
The Technical Advisor outlined the compelling reasons behind establishing the zonal office in Ado-Ekiti, explaining that it ensures swift justice for fraud victims who no longer have to endure long and expensive travels to Lagos or Abuja to report cases. He noted that the office plays a crucial role in protecting Ekiti’s reputation by showcasing the state as serious about clean business and legitimate investments, which in turn attracts real investors to the region.
Furthermore, he emphasised that a fraud-free environment draws genuine opportunities and tourism while safeguarding the banking system, as internet fraud costs Nigeria and banks billions of naira annually.
Òjó did not mince words about the devastating impact of internet fraud, stating categorically that it destroys Nigeria’s international reputation and scares away investors and tourists who could bring development to the state. He lamented that it wastes young talent that could be building real businesses and careers while leading to legal troubles that destroy futures permanently.
Addressing the frustration many young people feel due to unemployment, he acknowledged that youth unemployment in Nigeria and Ekiti is serious but stressed firmly that fraud is not the answer, as it destroys trust, brings trouble with the law, and blocks the real progress everyone wants.
The Ekiti State Government is rolling out massive empowerment programmes, including skills training and innovation hubs where young people can learn in-demand digital skills that prepare them for the modern economy. The government has also launched agric-tech programmes to turn Ekiti’s fertile land into wealth through modern farming businesses, alongside tourism projects that will create jobs in hospitality, culture, and travel sectors.
Through the Ekiti Youth Entrepreneurship Fund,he explained that government has already given over fifty-five million naira to one hundred and seventy-seven young businesses, while mentorship programmes, workshops, and internships help connect young people to real work opportunities.
The I’M IN campaign represents the government’s promise that every youth will be seen, heard, valued, and supported through advocacy, engagement, empowerment, and development.
In the immediate term, Ojo stressed that government is running awareness campaigns, providing quick grants, and organising workshops to equip young people with practical skills. Over the coming months, expanded skills programmes will roll out alongside mentorship networks and enhanced business support to help young entrepreneurs thrive.
However,looking to the long term, he said government is developing a full Youth Master plan and Tourism Master plan that will ensure opportunities keep growing for years to come, creating a sustainable future for every young person in the state.
Ojo thereafter made a passionate appeal to Ekiti youths, declaring that they are the power of the state and that their energy can change everything. He urged them to stand as role models for integrity, join the I’M IN campaign, and use their voices and talents legitimately to build real businesses and careers that will secure their futures.
He warned them not to let anyone push them toward fraud, imploring them to choose the path that builds their future and the state, saying that fraud destroys lives and blocks the progress everyone deserves. He assured them that the government is ready to support every young person who chooses the path of honesty and hard work.
Ojo assured traders and entrepreneurs that a safer Ekiti with less crime would bring more customers and long-term growth to their businesses. He emphasised that law-abiding people have nothing to fear from the EFCC office, as it exists to protect honest citizens and create an environment where legitimate enterprises can thrive without the shadow of criminal activity.
