Written by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Oyo State have reiterated their support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in fighting economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. The CSOs made this commitment during the “EFCC/CSOs Engagement” program held in Ibadan, Oyo State on October 26, 2023. Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede praised the strategic roles CSOs are playing in the fight against corruption and expressed appreciation for their critical reviews of the Commission’s works. He urged CSOs to align themselves with the progressive aspirations of Nigerians for corruption to be reduced to the barest minimum, if not completely eliminated.
Deputy Director of Creative Communications, Nwayinma Okeano, challenged CSOs to correct people’s misconceptions about EFCC’s anti-corruption activities in their various communities and reassured them that the EFCC is open to the public. Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, one of the arrow heads of the group, stressed that the fight against corruption should not be left to the EFCC alone, pointing out that all citizens and stakeholders have roles to play through strategic partnerships.
She enjoined the Commission to explore other areas in sending the anti-corruption message, such as entertainment, social media, partnering with telecommunication organizations, frequent town hall meetings, and creating and sustaining advocacy groups.
Discussions also centred on how to incorporate corruption studies into school curriculum across the country, encouraging parents to start the fight from home when their children are young.
They also wanted EFCC to go after musicians and celebrities who are promoting yahoo practices in their songs and lifestyles. A Communique was issued to help strengthen the working relationship between the EFCC and CSOs in the Ibadan Zonal Command.
