Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) has expanded its youth development and corporate social responsibility efforts with a campaign aimed at educating secondary school students in Lagos State about financial crime and the importance of integrity.

The initiative involves the distribution of copies of ‘Clean Hands, Bright Future: A Youth Guide to Avoiding Financial Crime in Africa’ to public secondary schools across the state.

The first phase of the programme is targeting 200 schools, with more than 150 schools already reached.

The campaign began at Kuramo Senior College and Victoria Island Senior Secondary School before extending to other parts of Lagos State. It seeks to educate students about the risks and consequences of fraud, cybercrime, identity theft, examination malpractice and other forms of financial crime.

The programme also promotes integrity, hard work, ethical leadership and responsible citizenship among young people.

The author of the book, Mr Adedayo Aluko, said the initiative was prompted by concerns over the increasing involvement of young people in financial crime and the need to address the issue through early education.

“The rate of financial crime among youths is becoming increasingly alarming. We believe education is one of the most effective tools to prevent crime. The message of the book is simple: crime does not pay, and with clean hands, every young person can build a brighter future,” Aluko said.

He explained that the project would extend beyond distributing the books, with plans for follow-up visits to participating schools for interactive enlightenment programmes and career talks focused on reinforcing the values of integrity.

According to Aluko, the book presents more than 100 forms of financial crimes in simplified language to help students recognise offences they could otherwise become unknowingly involved in.

He added that the publication uses rich illustrations and practical examples to make its lessons engaging and easier for students to remember.

Aluko also praised Lanre Shittu Motors for backing the initiative, describing the company’s Managing Director, Mr Taiwo Shittu, as a long-standing supporter of youth empowerment and education.

“Mr. Taiwo Shittu believes there is no shortcut to success. During the flag-off, he personally handed copies of the book to students and encouraged them to embrace hard work, education and skill acquisition as the true pathways to success.

Speaking about the campaign, Shittu said the decision by Lanre Shittu Motors to sponsor the book distribution was based on the company’s belief that crime prevention starts with developing positive values among young people from an early age.

“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.

“At Lanre Shittu Motors, we believe integrity, education and hard work remain the surest foundations for lasting success,” he said.

Shittu said the company’s established corporate social responsibility culture was inherited from its founder and his father, the late Alhaji Rasak Olanrewaju Shittu.

According to him, the late automotive icon instilled lasting values of compassion, community service and giving back to society in his children and employees. He said those principles continue to influence Lanre Shittu Motors’ investments in education, youth development and other social initiatives.

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 resource for young people dealing with growing social and economic pressures.

The ongoing distribution reflects Lanre Shittu Motors’ corporate social responsibility efforts and its focus on encouraging young people to choose integrity instead of shortcuts and legitimate enterprise instead of criminal activity.

The company has also maintained a record of supporting youth development through skills acquisition and capacity-building programmes.

Over the years, Lanre Shittu Motors has provided opportunities for young Nigerians to develop technical and vocational skills in automotive engineering, vehicle maintenance and related fields through internship, apprenticeship and industry training programmes.

It has equally supported education and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at preparing young people for productive careers, reflecting its position that equipping youths with employable skills can help reduce unemployment, discourage crime and support sustainable national development.

Source: The Sun