The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stated that sports serve as a unifying tool for youths across the country in the fight against internet fraud.
He made this known in Abuja on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maikano Abdullahi.
Olukoyede, who spoke through the Head of EFCC Sports, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II), Halilu Dauda, a member of the delegation of the Association of Directors of Sports from the Armed Forces, Police, and Paramilitary Agencies, said the Commission has taken many youths off the streets by providing gainful employment through its sports teams and activities.
“In my organization, we have done a lot in terms of taking youths off the streets and giving them opportunities in sports. Many youths have been employed in my organization because of sports. I believe other organizations represented here are doing the same. If we improve on these efforts, we will take many more youths off the streets, and cybercrime will definitely reduce. Issues of insecurity will also be tackled more effectively because many youths will be engaged and their talents harnessed,” he said.
In response, Abdullahi appreciated the delegation for the visit and expressed his willingness to collaborate with them in promoting sporting activities among agencies.
“Sports constitute one of the biggest labour markets in the world. People are either watching, selling, or participating. I appreciate your commitment, especially in coming together to give sports a more effective direction. I am ready to play any role necessary to ensure this organization survives and achieves its purpose of bringing agencies together. Let us also visit heads of parastatals to explain our aims and objectives. We have many talents in various organizations that remain undiscovered. Let us identify and train people who can represent Nigeria. If we form a paramilitary team, I believe no team in Africa can beat us,” he said.
Abdullahi further called for increased awareness and support for military and paramilitary sports to foster unity, socialization, discipline, and sportsmanship for national glory.
Representing the leader of the delegation, Lawal Oladipo, Commandant of Sports, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), stressed the need for the Armed Forces, Police, and Paramilitary Agencies to strengthen relationships through sports, noting that it would enhance coordination and information sharing for national security.
He added that the collaboration would improve patriotism, strengthen the existing esprit de corps, and create opportunities for talent discovery for national and international competitions.
