Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on media practitioners across Nigeria to use their platforms to expose fraud, financial crimes, and corruption in all sectors of society.
Olukoyede made the call in Warri, Delta State, while
addressing the 12th Annual Conference of the Association of Communication
Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN). He was represented by Assistant
Commander of the EFCC and Head of Public Affairs, Benin Zonal Directorate, ACE
I Williams Oseghale.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Corruption, Governance
and Media in Nigeria,” Olukoyede praised the ACSPN for highlighting the role of
the media in strengthening governance and combating corruption. He described
the media as a critical partner in holding leaders accountable and safeguarding
the nation’s democracy.
Recalling the contributions of pioneers such as Dr. Nnamdi
Azikiwe and Chief Anthony Enahoro, the EFCC chairman noted that the media had
historically stood at the forefront of Nigeria’s struggles against colonialism,
social injustice, and military misrule. He urged contemporary journalists to
uphold that legacy by embracing investigative journalism and exposing
fraudsters as well as public officials who misuse public funds.
“I urge media practitioners to use their platforms to fight
corruption and the twin evils of economic and financial crimes. Current
journalists must emulate their predecessors by exposing the atrocities of
fraudsters and those who divert public resources,” Olukoyede said.
He emphasized that the media fulfills its constitutional
mandate as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” only when it holds the government
accountable and educates the public on the dangers of corruption.
Olukoyede added that corruption can be defeated if citizens
individually and collectively embrace accountability, transparency, and due
process, while urging the media to continue supporting the EFCC in educating
Nigerians on the devastating effects of corruption.
Also speaking at the event, ACSPN President, Professor
Rotimi Williams Olatunji, said the conference theme was timely, given that
corruption erodes governance, economic growth, social justice, and public
trust. He acknowledged the challenges. confronting the Nigerian media but
stressed that forums such as the annual conference provide opportunities for
practitioners to share ideas, review pressing issues, and advance communication
scholarship and practice both locally and globally.
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