The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians to embrace transparency and accountability as a collective step toward eliminating corruption in the country.
Speaking through Mr. Williams Oseghale, Assistant Commander and Head of Public Affairs of the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate, Olukoyede made the appeal during the 12th annual conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Effurun, Delta State. The event was sponsored by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private security company working with the federal government on pipeline protection.
Olukoyede stressed that good governance can only be achieved if citizens commit themselves to due process, accountability, and integrity in their daily activities. According to him, many of Nigeria’s social and economic challenges—including unemployment, insecurity, poverty, hunger, kidnapping, poor healthcare, and low life expectancy—are direct results of corruption, mismanagement, and embezzlement of public resources.
“It is disturbing that Nigeria has gained a reputation as a country where corruption and impunity thrive. Every one of us has a role to play to change this perception by living honestly and holding leaders accountable,” he said.
The EFCC chairman urged the Nigerian media to strengthen their advocacy against corruption instead of glamorizing it. He encouraged journalists to revive the spirit of investigative reporting by exposing fraudulent practices and ensuring those in power do not escape scrutiny. He further appealed for collaboration with the media to break the cycle of financial crimes undermining national progress.
Olukoyede reaffirmed EFCC’s commitment to eradicating corruption, emphasizing that the Commission would continue to fight economic crimes without fear or favor. He commended ACSPN for dedicating its national conference to discussions on corruption, governance, and the media, describing the theme as both relevant and timely for building a fairer society.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, ACSPN National President, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, noted that corruption in Nigeria takes many forms—from petty bribery at lower levels to large-scale scandals involving political elites and business leaders. He warned that the widespread culture of corruption has stunted economic growth, scared away investors, destroyed infrastructure, and deepened poverty and insecurity.
Olatunji called on communication researchers and media practitioners to strengthen their watchdog roles, amplify voices demanding accountability, and support governance reforms that promote transparency. He expressed gratitude to TSSNL for sponsoring the event, which he said covered almost every aspect of the conference.
On his part, Prof. Majority Oji, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Delta State University (DELSU) and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, challenged participants to approach the fight against corruption with boldness and open-mindedness. He said creating new knowledge and strategies would move the anti-graft campaign beyond rhetoric and provide practical tools for breaking the cycle of corruption.
The conference was attended by prominent scholars and professionals, including Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, Prof. Daniel Awodiya, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Ayobami Ojebode, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Dr. Kayode Okunade, and Prof. Stella Okunna, among others.
Summary: EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede urged Nigerians to embrace transparency, while highlighting that corruption is the root cause of insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. He appealed to journalists to revive investigative reporting as a tool for accountability. ACSPN experts echoed the call, warning that corruption in Nigeria is multi-layered and requires stronger collective action.
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