The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has charged its graduating cadets to uphold integrity, courage and professionalism as they join the nation’s fight against economic and financial crimes.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the charge at the Passing Out Parade of its 404 Detective Superintendent Course 10 and Detective Inspector Course seven, at Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hill, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, on Friday.
Olukoyede said that being an EFCC operative comes with heavy responsibilities and demanded absolute personal discipline and accountability.
While noting that the commission had zero tolerance for corruption and compromise, he warned the graduands that sanctions and punitive measures against corrupt practices by officers of the commission were stiff.
The EFCC boss implored the new and old officers to always put the nation first, internalise the EFCC’s core values of integrity, courage, professionalism, and collaboration, and be prepared to rid the nation of corrupt practices.
“In the course of carrying out your lawful duties, you will necessarily come across daunting challenges. However, always bear in mind that challenges are meant to bake you and not to break you.
“You must not allow any difficulty to compromise the core values of the commission. Nigerians are rightfully expecting much from the EFCC. We cannot afford to disappoint them,” he said.
The chairman lauded the success of the rigorous training, noting that the commission had invested heavily to produce officers “moulded and grounded in sound intellect, physical agility, courageous comportment, and accountable conduct.”
“It is often said that he that comes to equity must come with clean hands. Nothing can be truer than this.
“You cannot offer the nation what you don’t have. Anti-corruption officers must be above board at all times,” he said.
Olukoyede appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his “unalloyed support” and for offering the commission the freedom to do its job without any interference.
He also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, especially the use of the training ground, a testament to the enduring synergy and cooperation between the security agencies.
He also thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for the demonstration of support for law enforcement and the fight against economic and financial crimes.
The governor in his remarks called for the establishment of a special court to handle corruption cases, citing the need for efficient and effective justice delivery.
Sule noted that the EFCC’s efforts had yielded significant results, including over 4,000 convictions in 2024
He commended the EFCC chairman and management for their commitment to fighting corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.
He congratulated the graduating cadets and urged them to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and professionalism in their service to the nation.
The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, ACE 1 Joseph Ogwiji, said that the cadets had displayed high levels of discipline, resilience, and adherence to the officer’s code of duty.
According to him, the Academy’s training model and design were effective in imparting skills and knowledge to the cadets.
“The cadets are now fully processed, skillful, goal-driven, and integrity-focused officers, ready to take their rightful place in the fight against economic and financial crime.
Sen. Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Financial Crimes, reminded the cadets the importance of integrity, courage, and transparency in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.
“As you embark on a new chapter in your lives, you must uphold the core values of the EFCC, including integrity, courage, and transparency.
“The path ahead may be challenging, but with resilience and determination, you will all succeed,” he said.
He pledged the committee’s support to provide necessary legislative backing to enable the EFCC to succeed.
On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, described the occasion as a significant boost to the fight against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
According to him, the cadets have been trained to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service to the nation.
Onwusibe urged the cadets to demonstrate unwavering commitment to justice and make the nation proud.
He assured the EFCC of continued support from the House of Representatives, citing the recent budget allocation as evidence of their commitment.
