EFCC boss urges increased involvement of women in anti-graft war

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on women across the country to show greater commitment to the fight against economic and financial crimes.

Olukoyede made the call in Abuja at the “You Against Crime Festival,” organised by You Against Crime International (YACI).

He was represented at the event by the Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aisha Muhammed.

According to him, mothers and women are central to shaping values and can play a decisive role in tackling corruption and cybercrime.

“Mothers and women play crucial roles in everything that we do, and they can do the same in the fight against corruption and cybercrime.

“We are talking of culture, we have to take it back to parenting. The EFCC is always talking about parenting and also catching them young,” he said.

He explained that the Commission was already engaging young people through initiatives such as the Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools, and the Zero Tolerance Club in tertiary institutions.

He added that the Women Against Corruption platform was also created in recognition of the influence of mothers in shaping society.

“Parenting is the most important part of our culture. Parents should ask questions, know the friends of their children, and keep an eye on them. Don’t leave your children to society,” he stressed.

Earlier, the President of YACI and organiser of the festival, Tayo Florunsho, said the programme was designed to provide solutions to crimes affecting the society.

“We are here to collectively work together to see how students and youths can add to the services of security agencies.

“We can’t do it on our own. We are here to dialogue on how to proffer solutions and not complain any longer,” Florunsho said.

Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Adebayo Benjamin Laniyi, called for collective action in addressing financial crimes, stressing that corruption thrives when citizens and institutions fail to work together.