The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has called on Nigerians to embrace transparency and accountability as a crucial step toward eradicating corruption in the country.
EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukayode, made the appeal at the 12th annual conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria held in Effurun, Delta State. He was represented at the event by the Assistant Commander and Head of Public Affairs, Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Mr Williams Oseghale.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the conference was sponsored by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private pipeline security company contracted by the federal government.
In his keynote address, Olukayode stressed that good governance could be achieved if citizens collectively fulfill their responsibilities.
“The onus is on us as individuals to be accountable, transparent and commit to due process and procedures.
“Every challenge around Nigeria’s socio-economic development today can be traced to the consequences of corruption.
“The rising problems of unemployment, insecurity, poverty, diseases, low life expectancy, hunger, kidnappings and others are the results of mismanagement, misapplication and embezzlement of our resources by those entrusted with them,” he said.
The EFCC chairman expressed concern over Nigeria’s perception as a nation entrenched in corruption and impunity within Africa.
He urged media practitioners to play a role in changing this narrative by advocating against corruption and avoiding its glamorization.
“Today, I urge media practitioners to use their various platforms to fight corruption and the twin-evil of economic and financial crimes in our country.
“The current media practitioners should emulate the founding fathers in the industry and frontally fight social injustice in the land.
“Media practitioners should delve into investigative journalism and expose activities of fraudsters who defraud innocent citizens of their hard-earned monies and those in authority who use their positions to siphon public funds,” he said.
Olukayode reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption and economic and financial crimes, while commending ACSPN for addressing the issues of corruption, good governance, and the media, calling the discussion timely and vital for nurturing an egalitarian society.
He encouraged delegates to leverage the forum to set a positive agenda for media practitioners in building a stronger nation.
Welcoming participants, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, ACSPN National President, highlighted the multifaceted nature of corruption in Nigeria.
“We have the petty corruption among lower ranks and grand corruption involving high-level politicians and business elites.
“So, the entirety of the Nigerian society seems enmeshed in the web of corruption.
“Its corrosive effects inhibit economic growth, scare away investment, degrade infrastructure, escalate poverty and insecurity and threaten the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
Olatunji urged media and communication researchers to intensify their watchdog roles by amplifying voices against corruption and promoting accountability in governance.
He also expressed gratitude to TSSNL for sponsoring the national conference, noting that the company’s support “has covered virtually every component of the conference.”
Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Delta University and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Majority Oji, encouraged participants to engage with open minds and courageous spirits.
“By creating knowledge that can move anti-corruption crusade from the battlefield to a place of deeper understanding, you may be contributing a great deal in the fight against corruption.
“Such knowledge is bound to gain traction within society and can help break, or at least reduce, the vicious circle of corruption,” he said.
The event was attended by notable academics and professionals, including Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, Prof. Daniel Awodiya, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Ayobami Ojebode, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Dr. Kayode Okunade, and Prof. Stella Okunna, among others.