The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged officers and men of the Commission to consistently uphold integrity as the foundation for credibility, relevance, and effectiveness in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the Commission’s 2025 Recognition and Reward Ceremony, an event held to honour officers who demonstrated exemplary performance in the discharge of their duties.
Reaffirming his long-standing position on integrity as the bedrock of institutional trust, the EFCC Chairman stressed that the Commission’s standing as a leading anti-corruption agency depends largely on its ethical rating.
“Let me say for the umpteenth time that, as operatives of the EFCC, we are as strong as our integrity and as weak as our compromises. Integrity is the only currency of acceptance in every clime. If we must remain relevant as the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency, we must sustain and continuously improve our integrity. This is the most important charge I leave with you today,” he said.
He expressed deep gratitude to God for preserving the Commission throughout the 2025 operational year, noting that despite numerous challenges, the EFCC recorded significant progress in the execution of its mandate. Commending officers for their resilience, dedication, and professionalism, Olukoyede urged them to take pride in the collective achievements recorded during the year.
“I think we need to give ourselves a pat on the back for successfully and remarkably sailing through the year,” he added.
Describing the EFCC’s mandate as a critical pillar of nation-building, the Chairman likened the Commission’s role to that of “guardian angels safeguarding the economy against pillage, leakages, sabotage, and other infractions.” He emphasized that the enormous responsibility entrusted to the EFCC makes trust a non-negotiable virtue.
“Trust is the biggest burden of life. The nation is looking up to us to justify the huge trust and confidence reposed in us,” he said.
Highlighting the Commission’s performance in 2025, Olukoyede disclosed that the EFCC recorded impressive recoveries and convictions during the year, with measurable progress across multiple operational fronts.
“From every indication, we did quite well in 2025. Our recoveries and convictions are impressive, and we are making progress on all fronts,” he noted.
However, he cautioned against complacency, stressing that success should be viewed as a continuous journey rather than a final destination.
“Although the performance indicators are encouraging, we still have a responsibility to do better. Where we are now is only a stage of the journey; where we are going is the true measure of success,” he said.
Speaking on the significance of the Recognition and Reward Ceremony, Olukoyede explained that the initiative was designed to celebrate excellence, dedication, and commitment to duty, while also motivating officers to continually give their best.
“Every staff member of the Commission is important, and every task we perform—individually and collectively—matters. However, exemplary performance deserves recognition, and that is why we are here today,” he stated.
He urged award recipients to view the recognition as a call to greater service, while encouraging other officers to remain steadfast, disciplined, and committed to excellence.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee and Commander of the EFCC, CE Femi Peter Gbarufu, said the ceremony was organised to celebrate officers who distinguished themselves through commitment, diligence, perseverance, innovation, and outstanding performance in their assigned responsibilities.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of the Staff of the Year Award to Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Bilkisu Buhari Bala. In addition, 24 officers were honoured as Best Staff across various departments of the Commission.
Among the award recipients were Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Monday Ocholi Attah, Best Staff in the Office of the Executive Chairman; Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Martha Ojochokutami Eche, Best Staff in the Public Affairs Department; Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I Patience Saba Peter, Best Staff in the Finance and Accounts Department; Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I Yusuf Awang Mangut, Best Staff in Administration and Human Resources; Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Abiodun Adebanjo, Best Staff in Planning, Policy, Research and Statistics; Inspector of the EFCC, IE I Shehu Muhammad Auwal; and Detective Assistant, DA II Zaharadeen Yakubu Adamu, Best Staff in the Office of the Secretary to the Commission, among others.
The ceremony also recognised prosecutors with the highest convictions, sections with the highest recoveries and convictions, as well as officers who have served the Commission for 20 years and above with Long Service Awards.
