The chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, Wednesday, said the fight against corruption in Nigeria is an uphill task that demands a united front from all Nigerians.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede made the statement in Lagos when he was honoured alongside the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu by the Nigeria Human Rights Community (NHRC).
Others also honoured included the chief executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive officer of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Mr. Akintunde Oluwole Sawyerr, and Prince Benson Onuwaje, chairman of Emirate Logistics.
In his message, the EFCC boss expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, noting that any form of commendation for efforts in fighting corruption serves as a morale booster for the commission and its operatives.
“I am delighted to be part of this gathering for two main reasons. First, every appreciation of the agency’s anti-corruption efforts by individuals or groups is a shot in the arm. Second, I am encouraged by the growing number of Nigerians who are beginning to see the fight against corruption as a nationalistic duty.
“The second basis of my delight is the rising army of Nigerians taking the anti-corruption fight as a nationalistic responsibility. We are steadily embracing the fact that every corrupt act diminishes us as Nigerians, and we must no longer treat it with kid gloves.”