The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reaching out to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, seeking a more robust alliance to fight economic and financial crimes.
Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, highlighted the essential role CSOs play in anti-corruption efforts during a gathering at the Benin Zonal Command.
Addressed by Acting Zonal Director ACE I Effa Imoh Okim, on behalf of Olukoyede, the call was made for CSOs to take an active role in awareness campaigns, especially among youths tempted by internet fraud and other illicit activities.
Olukoyede urged CSOs to act as watchdogs and informants, providing reliable intel to support the EFCC’s crusade against corrupt activities.
He emphasized the strategic importance of prevention and the influential reach of these organizations, which can be pivotal in educating the public about the risks and repercussions of criminal conduct.
Expressing a desire to reinforce the synergy between the EFCC and CSOs, Olukoyede encouraged these entities to leverage their widespread presence for the greater good, contributing to the prevention and elimination of deceit within the system.
“Let’s work together in tackling the menace of corruption. I want us to build on our existing relationships. I can’t be everywhere but you are everywhere. Our first choice is prevention and that is where the CSOs come in.
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“You have the reach and the spread, so you can take the message to the people out there, especially young people on the consequences of engaging in internet fraud and other forms of criminality”, he said.
“We need you to give us authentic information and to eliminate deceit from our collaboration,” Olukoyede added.
The EFCC is fostering this call to action as part of a broader strategy to enlist society in their mission to eradicate corruption from the national landscape.
