Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Nigerians to adopt a culture of transparency and accountability to eliminate corruption across the nation.
Speaking at the 12th annual conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Effurun, Delta, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukayode, represented by Assistant Commander Williams Oseghale, Head of Public Affairs at the Benin Zonal Directorate, emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens in achieving good governance.
“Good governance is achievable if we all commit to accountability, transparency, and adherence to due process,” Olukayode stated, highlighting that issues like unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and low life expectancy stem from the mismanagement and embezzlement of public resources.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s reputation as a hub of corruption and impunity in Africa and urged the media to actively combat this narrative.
Olukayode called on media practitioners to avoid glamorizing corruption and instead engage in investigative journalism to expose fraudsters and corrupt officials.
“The media must use their platforms to fight corruption and economic crimes, emulating the industry’s founding fathers who boldly confronted social injustices,” he said.
He reaffirmed the EFCC’s dedication to eradicating corruption and commended the ACSPN for addressing these critical issues, describing the conference as a vital step toward fostering an equitable society.
In his welcome address, ACSPN National President Prof. Rotimi Olatunji described corruption in Nigeria as pervasive, ranging from petty offenses to grand-scale misconduct by political and business elites. “Corruption’s devastating impact hinders economic growth, discourages investment, degrades infrastructure, and fuels poverty and insecurity,” he noted.
Olatunji urged media and communication scholars to enhance their watchdog roles to promote accountability and thanked Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), the conference sponsor, for their extensive support.
Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Delta University and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Majority Oji, encouraged participants to approach the conference with open minds. “By generating knowledge that deepens the anti-corruption crusade, you can help break the cycle of corruption,” he said.
The event, supported by TSSNL, a private pipeline security firm contracted by the federal government, was attended by notable figures 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, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
