The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Saturday, reassured its commitment to the fight against economic and financial crimes and other related offences in the country.
Its Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, stated this at the annual celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day in Ilorin.
Olukoyede, who was represented by the Ilorin Zonal Commander, ACEI Michael Nzekwe, said that corruption threatened the growth and development of individuals and nations all over the world.
He said that the commission would prioritise corruption prevention through collaboration and synergy with local and foreign law enforcement agencies.
“Also, in the area of professionalism and strict adherence to rule of law, as the absolute minimum in all activities of the commission in order to contribute to economic growth and restore investors’ confidence,” he said.
The Chairman said that no one was immune to the contagion of corruption, adding that “that’s why nations are united in finding solutions to the common ailment.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day is “UNCAC@20: Uniting the World Against Corruption”.
Olukoyede described the theme as a tribute to the revolutionary impact which the organ of United Nations had in mobilising and directing global action against corruption.
“UNCAC, through its resolutions and interventions has become the fulcrum of the global resistance against corruption.
“Successful anti-corruption models across the world are built on the recommendation of UNCAC.
“The world truly owes this organ a debt of commendation and to show appreciation was rededicating and recommitting ourselves to implementation of all the recommendations of this anti-corruption organ
“At the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, it is a special occasion, as it offers us an opportunity to review our work, engage with stakeholders and consider fresh perspectives.
“This is to consolidate the gains of the fight against economic and financial crimes as well as other forms of corrupt practices,” he said.
Earlier, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, represented by Malam Yinusa Lade, the state Commissioner for Youth, commended EFCC and other security agencies for their efforts in fighting corruption and maintaining security in the state.
He said that the process of fighting corruption began with every individual in the society, in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.
The governor urged the youth to shun cybercrime, be more useful for themselves and their community, stressing that the present administration had started working hard to engage youth in meaningful and payable business.
NAN reports that traditional institutions also joined the sensitisation walk against corruption, such as the Emir of Kaura Namoda of Zamfara and Ofo of Umofio Kingdom in Oputa of Imo State.
Others at the event were the representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Correctional Service, National Drug Law Enforcement agencies.