The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Nigeria’s creative industry to play a greater role in the fight against corruption and economic and financial crimes, particularly by using its influence to engage young Nigerians.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the call on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at an entertainment event, “Vintage with Gana”, in Abuja, where he described the creative sector as a talent-driven industry capable of mobilising public support for the anti-corruption campaign.
Olukoyede, who was represented by the Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, said the agency was prepared to work with Nigerians across different sectors to prevent economic and financial crimes.
She stressed that the fight against corruption could not be left to the EFCC alone, arguing that the consequences of corruption affect the wider society through poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare and insecurity.
“I am actually here because the EFCC is the friend of the people. EFCC is not all about arrest, we have a face and we actually support creatives. That is why whenever there are events like this, the EFCC is actually there to support,” she said.
Mohammed said the creative industry could provide young Nigerians with legitimate opportunities to deploy their talents instead of engaging in cybercrime and other forms of financial crimes.
“The fight against corruption is not for the EFCC alone but it is for everyone. When we talk about those involved in corrupt practices, either through looting or cybercriminals scamming, all the problems affect us all,” she said.
She noted that the effects of corruption extend beyond financial losses, saying they could manifest in poor roads, inadequate hospitals and insecurity.
“When it results in bad roads, bad hospitals, insecurity, nobody is safe. So, all of us have to come together to salvage the country, we don’t have any country but Nigeria,” she added.
Mohammed urged Nigerians to channel their abilities towards productive ventures, stressing the potential of the country’s young and talented population.
“Nigerians are talented, we are smart, we are lovable, and we are brilliant people. It is just for us to put it to good use. So, say no to yahoo yahoo, say no to cybercrime, say no to looting and stealing, misappropriation,” she said.
She reiterated the Commission’s willingness to strengthen partnerships with individuals and organisations willing to support its anti-corruption efforts.
“We have to do it together. The EFCC is open to more collaboration that will help rid Nigeria of corruption,” she said.
Management staff of the Commission attended the event, led by its Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe.
Others in attendance included the Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol; Director of Internal Audit, Idowu Oluwole-Apejoye; EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale; and Head of the Public Interface Unit, Tony Orilade, among other officials.
