The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged the newly-commissioned Detective Assistant Cadets, Course 5 of the Commission to imbibe the culture of integrity and discipline in the discharge of their duties.
He gave the charge on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the the Passing out Parade ceremony of the cadets, numbering 169 (One Hundred and Sixty-nine) at Nigeria Police Mobile Training College, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State.
Olukoyede who noted that the cadets were not only groomed in law enforcement, but in ethics, discipline and leadership charged them to uphold EFCC’s core values of integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration.
“You have been trained not just in law enforcement but also in ethics, discipline, leadership and the need to uphold the Commission’s core values of integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration. These are the principles that will guide you as you embark on your journey as officers of the Commission.
“As new officers of the EFCC, you are now a critical part of our mission to eradicate economic and financial crimes through prevention, enforcement and coordination. A lot of trust is placed on you as cadets of the Commission. Your family, the EFCC and the entire citizens of Nigeria look up to you to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity. You must give no room for compromise, nor tolerance for misconduct,” he said.
He reminded them that the task that laid ahead of them as anti-corruption officers was a national challenge for the good of the country in accordance with the mission of the EFCC.
“In the course of performing your duties, you are likely to face challenges that will test your integrity and commitment. However, be assured that the cases you investigate, arrests you make, assets you recover and every illegal financial transaction you uncover in the course of your duties not only helps in attaining the vision and mission of the Commission, but also works for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians at large,” he said.
Speaking further, Olukoyede noted that the future and wellbeing of the country is tied to the unrelenting sustenance of the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.
“Let me once again remind us that the fight against economic and financial crimes is one on which the future of our nation depends. Nigeria looks up to the EFCC for solutions to the pervasive corruption as well as help in stimulating the economy. The Commission is also the beacon of hope in addressing concerns about cybercrime and other variants of financial crimes driven by technology,” he said.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, noted that the EFCC needed enough manpower as well as the involvement of all well-meaning Nigerians to achieve success in the anti-corruption fight, adding that the coming on board of the fresh cadets further demonstrates the commitment of the government of President Tinubu to strengthen the EFCC and improve the quality of its manpower for effective service delivery.
“Leaders at various tiers of government have a responsibility to support agencies like the EFCC in this critical fight. It is for this reason that Nasarawa State having reconsidered the critical role of the EFCC, pulled out from the legal tussle against the EFCC regarding its statutory powers. Let me take the liberty of this occasion to reiterate that Nasarawa State is the Home of Solid Minerals. This sector, as you are all aware, represents a new frontier for investment, and we need the assistance of agencies such as the EFCC to enhance transparency and build investors’ confidence in our economy, as well as promote the ease of doing business, essentially in boosting revenue in this critical artery of the economy,” he said.
The Chairman, House Committee on Financial Crimes, Honourable Ginger Obinna Onwusibe tasked the new officers on professionalism, integrity, honesty, confidentiality and discretion, adding that the “officers must encourage individuals to report suspicious transactions and provide protection for whistle-blowers. You must foster a culture of integrity by promoting the culture of integrity and ethical behaviours in the financial sector among the general public. Implementing these strategies requires a spontaneous effort from all stakeholders. By working together, Nigeria can effectively combat criminality and promote a safer and more stable financial system,” he said.
The representative of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Diket Plang described the EFCC as the image-maker of the country adding that Nigerians are watching and expecting a lot from the Commission. “The EFCC is always in the mind of the Senate. This is for no other reason than the fact that the EFCC is an image-maker for our nation. We want to use this opportunity to thank the EFCC Chairman for what they are doing. Nigeria has gained a lot of integrity and respect in the international community because of the brilliant, patriotic and commitment of the EFCC,” he said.
He urged the new cadets to be mindful of their actions on their new assignments. “Nigerians are watching you with a lot of expectations. Our prayers are that as you would now be on the field you will remain nationalistic, patriotic, God-fearing and consider Nigeria as a lowest common multiple. To the Commission, I would like to assure you that the senate will not relent in its effort to ensure that it gives you sufficient grounds and power to operate so that you can give the best to Nigerians,” he said.
On his part, the commandant of the Police Mobile Training College, Ende Hills, DCP Sunday Audu Peter congratulated the cadets and urged them to put to proper use, the training they received in the discharge of their duties. “We are handing them over to you sir. Unleash them to cleanse up the community, to cleanse up the society; to rid of all unwanted elements and behaviours that draw us back as a country,” he said.
Out of the total of 169 Detective Assistant Cadets that passed out, eleven distinguished themselves in different areas of study and operational activities and were honoured with awards. Agwuncha Ugochukwu Lotanna was awarded Best Overall Cadet, with the First and Second Runner-up awards going to Anani One Melche and Adutu Joy Uyo. Uyo also emerged the Best in Legal Studies.
Muhammad Kabir Sanusi was awarded the Executive Chairman Award in Command and Leadership. He also emerged the Best Cadet in Drill and was also the parade Commander. Lawal Lawrence emerged the Best in Operational Studies. Oguzi Promise Yefia emerged the Best Cadet in General Studies, while Abbah Favour Billy emerged the Best in ICT. Joshua Princewill emerged the Best Marksman and Oviangbede Precious emerged the Best Markswoman.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 14, 2025
