Muhammad Hammajoda, the Secretary to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has emphasized the crucial role of parents in cultivating integrity and ethical values among children during a meeting with members of the Advocacy for Positive Behavioral Patterns Initiative (AFPBPI) at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Highlighting the need for concerted efforts in combating corruption, Hammajoda stressed that parental involvement and leading by example are pivotal in shaping the ethical standards of the younger generation.
He expressed concerns about declining moral values, urging parents to guide and set positive examples for their children.
“The fight against corruption isn’t solely the Commission’s responsibility; it necessitates the involvement of parents and other stakeholders,” he stated.
Hammajoda remarked, underscoring the importance of parental guidance in nurturing integrity and curbing vices like drug abuse and dishonesty among youths.
He reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to preventive measures against corruption and welcomed collaboration with AFPBPI, emphasizing the significance of outreach to schools to instil ethical values in young minds.
Mann Bamidele, Director of AFPBPI’s Campaign Team, echoed the initiative’s focus on positively impacting children and youth through early sensitization against criminal activities.
He emphasized the need for early education in values to steer young individuals towards constructive paths and away from societal vices, intending to distribute handbooks to disseminate positive attitudes, particularly against fraud.
Bamidele expressed willingness for partnership, offering support in capacity-building for EFCC personnel, youth sensitization, and engaging various sectors in advocating for responsible practices.
“Part of the work of our NGO is to ensure that the Commission succeeds in its mandate, so we want to offer sensitization to the youths and children by imbibing good characters.
“All these values should be taught at a very young age to enable them to become better persons in society so that they will not end up in prison.
“We have also produced a handbook that will soon be available to youths and teenagers across the country.
“The handbook is meant to infuse in them positive attitudes, especially against advance fee fraud and other societal menace,” he said.
