Bennett Oghifo
Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) has explained that its decision to donate copies of the book Clean Hands, Bright Future: A Youth Guide to Avoiding Financial Crime in Africa to public secondary schools across Lagos State is driven by a conviction that the fight against financial crime must begin with early value orientation and youth education.
The automotive company said the initiative is part of its broader commitment to youth development, character building and corporate social responsibility, with the goal of equipping young people with the knowledge and moral foundation needed to resist the growing temptation of fraud, cybercrime, identity theft and other financial crimes.
The first phase of the programme targets 200 public secondary schools across Lagos State, with more than 150 schools already benefiting from the donation campaign.
Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, said the company chose to invest in the project because it believes that preventing crime is more effective than merely punishing offenders.
According to him, many young people are increasingly exposed to social and economic pressures that can push them towards illegal activities, making early education and character development essential.
“Young people are the future of our nation. By investing in character development and educating students about the consequences of financial crime, we are helping to build responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society,” Shittu said.
He added that the company wants students to understand that lasting success is built on integrity, education, hard work and skill acquisition rather than shortcuts or criminal activities.
Shittu noted that the company’s commitment to youth empowerment did not start with the current campaign. For many years, Lanre Shittu Motors has invested in internship programmes, apprenticeship opportunities, vocational training and technical capacity building for young Nigerians in the automotive sector.
The company also linked the initiative to the legacy of its founder, the late Alhaji Rasak Olanrewaju Shittu, whose emphasis on compassion, community service and giving back to society continues to shape its corporate social responsibility programmes.
Author of the book, Mr. Adedayo Aluko, said the publication was designed to help young people understand the dangers of financial crime and avoid becoming involved in illegal activities, often unknowingly.
The book explains more than 100 forms of financial crimes in simple language and uses illustrations and practical examples to make the lessons relatable to students.
Beyond the donation of books, the initiative includes plans for follow-up interactive enlightenment sessions and career talks in beneficiary schools to reinforce the message of integrity and responsible citizenship.
Published in May 2026 and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Clean Hands, Bright Future has been described as a practical guide for young people navigating increasing social and economic pressures.