By Oluwatosin Ogunkuade Jasper

The establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Zonal Directorate Office in Ekiti State, should not be seen as a reason for young people to relocate. Rather, it should serve as a wake-up call to embrace honest enterprise and legitimate means of livelihood.

Go back to school if necessary. Learn a skill. Master a trade. Secure meaningful employment or invest in a genuine business that gives you a place to report daily with purpose, dignity, and peace of mind. There is no substitute for honest labour.

It is equally misguided to celebrate reports of declining nightlife and dwindling patronage of hospitality and entertainment businesses simply because some young people now feel compelled to withdraw from public life or consider relocating. A struggling local economy is no victory. Fighting crime should not come at the expense of legitimate businesses or the livelihoods they sustain. When the tide goes out, every boat is affected.

The real solution is not fear or relocation, but reorientation. The EFCC, government, educational institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and community stakeholders must work together to mentor young people, promote entrepreneurship, develop practical skills, and expand access to legitimate opportunities. As the saying goes, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

Lasting success is built on integrity, discipline, and hard work. While ill-gotten wealth may glitter for a while, all that glitters is not gold. Shortcuts often lead to long regrets.

To every young person in Ekiti: if you already have a foundation in the state and are making honest progress, stay the course. Make the right choices and build a future you can be proud of.

The true measure of our progress is not how many people leave out of fear, but how many choose purpose over pretense, integrity over illusion, and enterprise over expediency.

As the African proverb reminds us, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” The time to invest in honest work, good character, and a brighter future is now.

Oluwatosin writes from Ado-Ekiti