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Oscar Okhifo
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has assured officers and staff of the anti-graft agency that his administration will continue to prioritise their welfare and create more opportunities for career advancement, saying a motivated workforce remains critical to the Commission’s fight against corruption.
Olukoyede gave the assurance on Monday while addressing the 20th anniversary celebration of the EFCC Detective Inspector Course One at the Commission’s Academy in Karu, Abuja, where he also encouraged officers to remain disciplined, committed and uncompromising in integrity.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC (CE) Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC chairman said staff welfare and professional development have remained central to his leadership agenda, stressing that efforts to improve working conditions and enhance career prospects would continue.
He further disclosed that the planned staff conversion exercise was as good as concluded, urging officers to shun corruption and conduct themselves in ways that would not jeopardise their future in the Commission.
“The Executive Chairman is very interested in staff welfare. He is always thinking of what is next for staff. He is always talking about how the lives of staff are better in terms of welfare so that they are not distracted,” Nzekwe said on behalf of Olukoyede.
He added: “As for the conversion thing that the Executive Chairman promised, it is as good as a done deal. Try as much as you can to be diligent and committed.
” Do not be an enemy to yourself because I see many of you becoming Chairman and Director. Take your hands away from anything that will discredit you, especially corruption.”
The Director of Administration and Human Resources, CE Femi Gbarufu, congratulated members of Detective Inspector Course One on marking 20 years of service, describing the milestone as remarkable.
He noted that completing 20 years out of a possible 35-year career was worthy of celebration and urged the officers to remain worthy ambassadors of the EFCC, especially as many of them now occupy leadership positions within the Commission.
Also speaking, the Director of Investigation, CE Abdulkarim Chukkol, reminded the officers that being the pioneer Inspectorate Cadre placed a greater responsibility on them to set high standards for younger officers.
“When they say Course One, it means number one, so you have set the pace for others coming behind. Twenty years is actually a lot. Any action you take in the course of your work, think of your family and loved ones. Anyone here can be a Chairman. I wish you God’s guidance and congratulations once again,” he said.
The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, ACE I Joseph Ogwiji, said he had witnessed the growth of the officers since their training days and encouraged them to remain faithful to the oath of office by upholding integrity in service.
He warned that violating the oath of office could have serious consequences, while remaining faithful to it would continue to work in their favour.
The Head of Media and Publicity and spokesperson of the Commission, DCE Dele Oyewale, challenged the officers to continually strive for excellence and self-improvement.
“In the journey of life, there is a position that is better than number one, and the position is that of an overtaker,” Oyewale said, urging the officers to guard their integrity jealously and remain focused on excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the celebrants, Course Governor Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude to the EFCC leadership for the opportunities the Commission has provided over the past two decades, saying the officers had grown from young recruits into seasoned professionals committed to national service.
He particularly commended Olukoyede for the recently introduced housing scheme, describing it as a transparent initiative that enabled many qualified officers to fulfil their lifelong dream of becoming homeowners.
He also lauded the proposed staff conversion exercise, noting that it would open new career opportunities for deserving personnel and further boost morale across the Commission.
Mohammed said the welfare and career development initiatives reflected a leadership that values its workforce and is committed to investing in their growth, urging his colleagues to reciprocate the confidence reposed in them through diligence, professionalism and integrity.
The anniversary celebration brought together members of Detective Inspector Course One to celebrate two decades of service, renew old bonds and reflect on their journey in the EFCC.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to Olukoyede, his Chief of Staff, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, the Director of Investigation, the Commission’s spokesperson and the Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy in recognition of their contributions to the Commission.
