EFCC Boss Tasks Youths on Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity
In a bid to promote a culture of anti-corruption among Nigerian youths, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to embrace transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Olukoyede, who was represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, gave the charge on Monday, August 12, 2024, while addressing students of Epitome Model Islamic School during the 12th Teenagers Workshop organized by Alhabibiyah Islamic Society.
Speaking on the Importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity, Olukoyede emphasized that transparency revolves around accountability, responsibility, openness, and honesty. 
“You can say transparency is being open and honest. Accountability is the willingness to account for one’s actions, while integrity is the quality of being driven by high moral principles,” he explained.
He further stressed that accountability ensures individuals and institutions take responsibility for their actions, promoting answerability and explanations for decisions and behaviors.
“In the EFCC, we say, integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching you,” he added.
The Street Reporters Newspaper reports that highlighting EFCC’s role in anti-corruption, Olukoyede explained that the EFCC’s primary responsibility is to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption, economic and financial crimes, and prevent them from occurring.
“That is why we have come to talk to you right now to ensure that you keep away from corruption,” he said.
While calling for collaboration in the anti-corruption fight, Chief Superintendent of EFCC, CSE, Katerine Okeke urged the students to join hands with the Commission in the anti-corruption fight to make Nigeria a better place for all.
“We have to make Nigeria better, that is the message that we brought to your school this morning, the message of anti-corruption fight, transparency, accountability, and integrity, necessary to make you become good citizens of the country,” she said.
In the same vein, while emphasizing on embracing integrity as a moral compass, Deputy Superintendent of EFCC, DSE Abbas Abubakar charged to “Learn to say something when you see something and do not steal or covet what is not yours.
“Whoever sees something that is not right should correct it using his hands, if he cannot, he should use his mouth to speak against it, and if he cannot, he should hate that wrong in his heart,” he said.
On her part, Hajiya Rafat Salami, while speaking on behalf of the management of the school, thanked the EFCC for the engagement with the students and the good working relationship the school has with the Commission.
The event underscores the EFCC’s commitment to promoting anti-corruption values among Nigerian youths. By instilling transparency, accountability, and integrity in the next generation, the Commission aims to create a better future for Nigeria.
