Emmanuel Ochayi
In a send-off celebration on November 1, 2023, the staff of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bid a farewell to Commander CE Osita Nwajah, the Director of Public Affairs, who retired after 20-year career with the Commission.
The event, held at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, served as a testament to Nwajah’s contributions to the EFCC and the realm of strategic communication.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNwajah, one of the pioneer staff members of the EFCC, began his journey with the Commission on October 29, 2003. He rose to the position of Director on October 29, 2014, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the Commission’s preventive mandate in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
Before joining the EFCC, he held senior editorial positions in The News/Tempo and Tell Magazines. He was a former Editor of the defunct Anchor Newspaper, and his achievements included being named the CNN African Journalist of the Year in 1999 and becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London.
Secretary to the Commission, Muhammad Hammajoda, expressed his gratitude for Nwajah’s meritorious service, highlighting the role he played in pioneering and developing the Public Affairs Department of the EFCC. In his own words, Hammajoda wished the retiring Director success in his future endeavors.
Acting Director of Public Affairs, DCE Wilson Uwujaren, lauded Nwajah as a leader, mentor, and a true gentleman who made the transition from a flourishing journalism career to head the Media and Publicity Department of the EFCC two decades ago.
Uwujaren reminisced about Nwajah’s vision for the department, emphasizing his instrumental role in transforming it from a single unit into a multifaceted department with five units today. Nwajah’s foresight also led to the establishment of an EFCC radio station, a dream now realized.
“All that we have in this Department is the initiative of the celebrant. He nurtured the department from a single Unit to a Department of five Units today. He virtually announced EFCC to the rest of the world through strategic communication. He came up with the vision of a radio station, more than ten years ago and the vision is now a reality today. We are delighted that we had the opportunity to work under Osita. As he is leaving, I wonder how we are going to cope without him, but I want to assure you that his vision for the Department, God willing, will not be disappointed”, he said.
Reflecting the sentiment of many colleagues at the celebration, Nwajah was described as a gentle genius, an excellent administrator, a principled individual, a silent achiever, and a dedicated servant of the nation. His influence and impact during his time at the EFCC were evident in the testimonials of those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Nwajah, moved by the immense show of love and appreciation from his colleagues, expressed his deep gratitude. He mentioned that he would miss his time with the Commission and that his years at the EFCC had been devoid of regrets. He assured everyone that he would continue to be associated with the EFCC and would remain a familiar presence.
“Honestly, I was going to shed tears here, all I can say is that my time here came with no regrets. I am grateful for working with each and every one and I will continue to cherish all of you in my heart. He promised to continue to identify with the Commission, assuring that “you are still going to be seeing me around,” Nwajah said.
As Commander CE Osita Nwajah embarks on this new chapter of his life, his legacy at the EFCC and his contributions to the fight against economic and financial crimes will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
