Emmanuel OchayiThe Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has emphasized the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in bolstering the EFCC’s anti-corruption initiatives at the grassroots level.
Addressing participants at a One-day Engagement parley between the EFCC and CSOs from Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto states held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, in Sokoto, Mr. Olukoyede called for increased collaboration with CSOs to intensify 
efforts in combating corruption.
“In view of the forgoing, I assure you that not only will greater vigor and impetus be added to this symbiotic relationship; but the EFCC will be relying on you now more than ever to help in galvanizing and sustaining goodwill between us and the public we serve,” Mr. Olukoyede stated.
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The EFCC’s commitment to fostering a partnership with CSOs was emphasized by ACE1 Aliyu Yunusa, the Sokoto Zonal Commander, representing the EFCC’s chairman. Yunusa highlighted the need for CSOs, being closer to the citizens, to disseminate anti-corruption messages using local dialects and to engage constructively with the Commission.
“The EFCC is one of the most tasked, professional agencies in Nigeria today. Criticize us constructively because we rely on your support,” Yunusa emphasized.
Tony Orilade, Head of the Public Interface Unit of the EFCC, stressed the Commission’s emphasis on fraud prevention, citing its cost-effectiveness.
He underscored the importance of engaging central stakeholders like CSOs to achieve the Commission’s mission of eradicating economic and financial crimes.
Aisha Mohammed, Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Commission, urged participants to support the EFCC in its anti-corruption endeavors, emphasizing the role of CSOs as the Commission’s major stakeholders.
Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, Chairman of the Coalition for Non-governmental Organizations, commended the EFCC for fostering such an engagement, expressing optimism about building stronger connections with the Commission.
He encouraged ongoing collaboration and urged the EFCC to maintain openness for interactions with the public, particularly CSOs, to enhance transparency and accountability.
“This engagement has brought us closer to the Commission. We will continue to support the EFCC in its quest to cleanse Nigeria of all forms of economic and financial crimes,” Gwadabawa affirmed.
The engagement emphasized the significance of collaboration between the EFCC and CSOs in driving anti-corruption efforts at the grassroots level, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s fight against economic and financial crimes.
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