The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving staff welfare and creating greater opportunities for career advancement within the anti-graft agency.
Olukoyede gave the assurance during the 20th anniversary celebration of the EFCC Detective Inspector Course One, held at the Commission’s Academy in Karu, Abuja.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC chairman said the welfare of personnel remains a top priority of his administration, noting that efforts are ongoing to improve the working conditions and career prospects of officers.
“The Executive Chairman is very interested in staff welfare. He is always thinking of what is next for staff, he is always talking about how the lives of staff are better in terms of welfare so that they are not distracted.
“In every system, career progression is something that is very important and I am glad many of you have improved yourself. As for the conversion thing that the Executive Chairman promised, it is as good as a done deal.
“Try as much as you can to be diligent and committed. Do not be an enemy to yourself because I see many of you becoming Chairman and Director. Take your hands away from anything that will discredit you, especially corruption,” he said.
The Director of Administration and Human Resources, Femi Gbarufu, congratulated the officers on reaching two decades of service, describing the milestone as a testament to their dedication and professionalism.
He urged them to continue serving as worthy ambassadors of the EFCC, noting that many members of the course had already assumed leadership positions within the Commission.
Also speaking, the Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, reminded the officers that, as the pioneer Inspectorate Course, they had set the standard for future generations of EFCC personnel.
“When they say course one, it means number one, so you have set the pace for others coming behind. 20 years is actually a lot, any action you take in the course of your work, think of your family and loved ones. Anyone here can be a Chairman, I wish you God`s guidance and congratulations once again,” he said.
The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Joseph Ogwiji, encouraged the officers to remain faithful to the oath of office they took upon joining the Commission.
He stressed the importance of integrity, telling the celebrants that honouring their oath would continue to guide and strengthen their careers.
The Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, also challenged the officers to continually strive for excellence and self-improvement.
“In the journey of life, there is a position that is better than number one and the position is that of an overtaker,” he said, urging them to ensure that excellence and integrity remain the defining values of their professional lives.
In his welcome address, the Course Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the EFCC leadership for providing opportunities that had shaped the careers of members of the pioneer course over the past 20 years.
He specifically commended Olukoyede for the Commission’s housing initiative, which enabled eligible staff members to acquire homes through what he described as a transparent and credible process.
Mohammed also praised the chairman’s proposed staff conversion exercise, expressing optimism that it would open new opportunities for deserving officers to advance their careers.
“We also thank the Chairman for the recent conversion exercise, which if followed through, many deserving officers, including members of this course, will be given opportunities for career progression. These commendable initiatives reflect a leadership approach that recognizes values, nurtures and invests in the growth and development of its personnel,” he said.
The anniversary celebration brought together members of the pioneer Detective Inspector Course to reflect on two decades of service, strengthen professional bonds and honour distinguished individuals.
Awards were presented to the EFCC Chairman, his Chief of Staff, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, the Director of Investigation, the Commission’s spokesperson and the Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy in recognition of their contributions to the agency.
