The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged its graduating cadets to uphold integrity, courage, and professionalism as they join Nigeria’s fight against economic and financial crimes.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the charge on Friday during the Passing Out Parade of 404 cadets of Detective Superintendent Course 10 and Detective Inspector Course 7 at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hill, Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Olukoyede reminded the graduands that being an EFCC operative carries significant responsibility, demanding strict personal discipline and accountability.
He stressed that the commission maintains zero tolerance for corruption and compromise, warning that officers found guilty of misconduct would face stiff sanctions.
The EFCC chairman urged both new and existing officers to always put the nation first, internalize the agency’s core values—integrity, courage, professionalism, and collaboration—and remain committed to cleansing Nigeria of corrupt practices.
> “In the course of carrying out your lawful duties, you will inevitably face daunting challenges. Always bear in mind that challenges are meant to shape you, not break you.
“You must never allow any difficulty to compromise the commission’s core values. Nigerians rightfully expect a lot from the EFCC, and we cannot afford to disappoint them,” Olukoyede said.
He praised the cadets for successfully completing their rigorous training, noting that the commission had invested heavily to produce officers “moulded and grounded in sound intellect, physical agility, courageous comportment, and accountable conduct.”
> “It is often said that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Nothing can be truer than this.
“You cannot offer the nation what you do not possess. Anti-corruption officers must be above board at all times,” he added.
Olukoyede expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his “unalloyed support” and for granting the EFCC the independence to operate without interference. He also acknowledged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing the training facility, describing it as a testament to strong inter-agency collaboration.
He further thanked Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for his support of law enforcement and the fight against economic and financial crimes.
In his remarks, Governor Sule called for the establishment of a special court to handle corruption cases to ensure speedy and efficient justice delivery. He noted that the EFCC had secured over 4,000 convictions in 2024 and commended the commission’s management for its dedication to fighting corruption.
The governor congratulated the graduating cadets and urged them to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and professionalism in their service to the nation.
Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, ACE I Joseph Ogwiji, said the cadets demonstrated exceptional discipline, resilience, and adherence to the officer’s code of conduct throughout their training.
> “The cadets are now fully processed, skillful, goal-driven, and integrity-focused officers, ready to take their rightful place in the fight against economic and financial crime,” Ogwiji said.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Financial Crimes, Sen. Emmanuel Udende, reminded the cadets of the importance of integrity, courage, and transparency in combating corruption.
> “As you embark on a new chapter in your lives, you must uphold the core values of the EFCC. The path ahead may be challenging, but with resilience and determination, you will succeed,” he said.
Udende also pledged the committee’s support in providing the necessary legislative backing to strengthen the commission’s operations.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, described the event as a boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. He urged the cadets to remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and to make the nation proud, assuring them of continued support from the House of Representatives.
