The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has charged officers of the commission to uphold integrity as the cornerstone of credibility and relevance in the fight against corruption.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Saturday at the EFCC’s 2025 recognition and reward ceremony, where officers were honoured for exemplary performance in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that the commission’s strength was directly tied to the integrity of its operatives, warning that any compromise would undermine public trust.
“Let me say for the umpteenth time that, as operatives of the EFCC, we are as strong as our integrity and as weak as our compromises.
“Integrity is the only currency of acceptance in every clime. If we want to remain relevant as the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency, we must sustain and improve on our integrity,” he said.
The EFCC boss expressed gratitude to God for preserving the commission through the 2025 operational year, noting that despite challenges, the agency recorded significant progress in carrying out its mandate.
He commended officers for their resilience and dedication, urging them to take pride in the collective achievements recorded during the year.
“I think we need to give ourselves a pat on the back for sailing through the year successfully and remarkably,” he said.
Describing the EFCC’s role as central to nation-building, Olukoyede likened the commission to “guardian angels safeguarding the economy against pillage, leakages, sabotage and other infractions.”
He added that the responsibility placed on the EFCC made trust a critical virtue, saying: “Trust is the biggest burden of life. The nation is looking up to us to uphold the huge trust and confidence reposed in us.”
Highlighting the commission’s performance in 2025, the EFCC chairman disclosed that recoveries and convictions recorded during the year were impressive, with progress made across multiple operational fronts.
“From every indication, we did quite well in 2025. Our recoveries are impressive as well as our convictions. We are progressing on all fronts,” he said.
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However, Olukoyede cautioned against complacency, stressing that success should be viewed as a continuous journey.
“Although all the performance indicators are rich, we have a responsibility to do better. Where we are is only a journey; where we are going is the only success point,” he stated.
Speaking on the purpose of the ceremony, he said it was designed to celebrate excellence and motivate officers to give their best at all times.
He urged the award recipients to see the recognition as a call to higher service, while encouraging other officers to remain committed to excellence.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Femi Gbarufu, said the ceremony was organised to celebrate officers who distinguished themselves through commitment, diligence, innovation and outstanding performance.
At the event, Bilkisu Bala, emerged staff of the year, while 24 others were honoured as best staff across various departments.
The ceremony also recognised prosecutors with the highest convictions, sections with the highest convictions and recoveries, as well as officers who have served the commission for 20 years and above with the long service awards.
