The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede has tasked the media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the country to intensify their collaboration with the Commission to tackle economic and financial crimes and other corrupt practices squarely.
He made this call on Thursday, at a one-day capacity- building workshop for journalists and CSOs, in Kano.
In his opening remarks, Olukoyede described the media and CSOs as critical stakeholders in the anti-corruption drive, noting that their roles in promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility are crucial to national development.
He added, “The choice of our participants today, Civil Society Organizations and Journalists is both deliberate and strategic. You are not merely observers in the socio- economic landscape of our nation; you are critical drivers of change. CSOs serve as the conscience of society, while journalists wield the powerful pen that shapes public opinion, holds power accountable, and illuminates the dark corners where corruption thrives”.
Olukoyede who was represented by the Acting Director of Kano, Sa’ad Hanafi, he explained that the workshop was designed to educate participants on cryptocurrency fraud and other emerging forms of cyber and financial crimes, provide insight into the challenges of prosecuting financial crimes, and strengthen the alliance between the EFCC, the media, and CSOs.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the engagement to ask questions, share perspectives, and contribute ideas that would enhance the effectiveness of the anti-graft crusade.
Speaking in the same vein, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, DCE Dele Oyewale emphasized the need for sustained partnership between the three stakeholders in the fight against corruption.
He therefore, charged journalists and CSOs to be vigilant and courageous in their works, insisting that the role of the media in interrogating public office holders remains focal to achieving transparency. Stating, “There must be serious and holistic interrogation of public office holders. You should be asking questions about how and where public funds are spent. That is how we can ensure accountability and good governance.”
Oyewale also assured participants that the EFCC remains open to collaboration and credible information sharing, stressing that the office of the Zonal Director is accessible to journalists, CSOs, and members of the public for reports and complaints.
