The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Thursday morning led by the zonal commander, in company of several collaborators walked through designated routes in Ilorin to raise awareness on its increasing anti-corruption stance and to encourage individuals to volunteer information and expose corrupt persons in the society.
The road work which took off at the EFCC Office was part of activities marking the 2024 African Union Anti-Corruption Day themed “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool In the Fight Against Corruption”
Participants included state government officials, sister agencies. civil servants, law enforcement agencies, media, traditional rulers, the private sector, civil societies, academia and the public who the EFCC said it invited as partners to defeat the hydra-headed monster called corruption. The agency’s message resonated with the people as seen in the turnout.
Addressing participants at the take off of the walk, the Acting Zonal Director Harry Erin highlighted the critical role of whistleblowing in 7 corruption in Nigeria. The executive chairman of the anti graft agency, Ola Olukoyede message, which was read by Erin underscored the devastating impact of corruption on development efforts both locally and globally, ranking it alongside terrorism as one of the most severe afflictions of humanity.
"There can be no accurate statistical or quantitative evaluation of the havoc corruption is wreaking on genuine efforts at development because of its pervasive and recurring nature," he stated.
Olukoyede called for a united front in the fight against corruption, emphasising the importance of collective action. "It is imperative that individuals, communities, corporate bodies, and indeed the whole world join hands together to tackle it frontally," he said.
One of the most effective strategies, he noted, is through the whistle-blowing initiative.
The Whistle-Blowing Policy, launched on December 21, 2016, by the Federal Ministry of Finance, encourages citizens to report instances of fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconduct, abuse, or embezzlement of government assets. This policy has been a cornerstone of Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts.
“The theme of this year’s African Anti-Corruption Day, "Effective Whistleblowing for Corruption-Free Nigeria," reflects the crucial role of whistleblowers as anti-corruption advocates. He said.
Olukoyede highlighted the EFCC's Eagle Eye app as a significant tool for reporting corruption. He urged citizens to utilize this app, send emails, make telephone calls, or visit any EFCC Command to expose corrupt activities. "We also assure every whistle-blower of protection. EFCC will never betray you!" Olukoyede affirmed.
He stressed that whistleblowing demonstrates a strong commitment to the anti-corruption cause. While there are rewards for whistleblowers, the primary focus is on advancing the anti-corruption agenda. "This is a duty for every Nigerian and it is the focus of this year’s Anti-Corruption Day," he emphasised.
He called for genuine commitment, passion, consistency, and credibility in the fight against corruption. "We cannot win the war against corruption through lip service, emotional outbursts, or mere mob campaigns. There is a need for commitment, passion, consistency, and credibility of intelligence," he said.
He also warned against false claims and misleading intelligence, noting that such actions would be punished.
In closing, Olukoyede reminded Nigerians that corruption affects everyone and urged them not to be indifferent or silent. "An internet fraudster poses as much danger to our collective progress as a looter of our national treasury. We should not encourage their villainy by being indifferent, silent, or non-committal. Whistleblowing is our own opportunity to kick against corruption. Let’s embrace it totally," he concluded.
During the walk, the Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, speaking on behalf of the chairman of the traditional rulers council, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, urged the commission to assign officers in all 16 local government areas of the state.
The traditional ruler praised the walk as a beneficial initiative to combat corruption alongside the anti-graft agency. He emphasised the importance of extending these efforts to communities, villages, and schools from primary to secondary levels.
"The EFCC should designate a day for the anti-corruption walk in grassroots areas, encouraging villagers to promote anti-corruption messages and guide young people against corrupt practices," he stated.
"Corruption is widespread in our country, including examination malpractice in schools. If such initiatives reach every corner of our state, we can eradicate corruption."
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