By Nkechi Eze
The Rotary Club has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its effectiveness and growing impact in the fight against corruption and financial crimes, describing the Commission as a symbol of national integrity and accountability.
In an official signed statement, the commission’s spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed that the commendation was made during a courtesy visit by Rotary District 9127 officials to the EFCC Academy in Abuja, where the delegation expressed admiration for the Commission’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic future.
Speaking during the visit, Secretary of Rotary District 9127, Rotarian Ife James Utodio, said the EFCC had evolved into a national institution of redemption whose influence transcends enforcement to include moral reorientation and national consciousness.
He noted that the EFCC’s emblem has become widely recognised and should be promoted alongside other national symbols to instill patriotism and ethical values among young Nigerians.
“The EFCC has become a national agency of redemption. Its logo is a national symbol, and we need to display it and educate our youths and children on the need to identify and respect national symbols,” he said.
Utodio explained that Rotary shares similar values with the anti-graft agency, particularly its long-standing ethical framework known as the Four-Way Test, introduced in 1932 to promote honesty, fairness, and accountability in personal and professional conduct.
He said Rotary has consistently championed integrity and transparency by mentoring its members and communities to uphold ethical standards, adding that the visit to the EFCC Academy was aimed at strengthening collaboration to deepen anti-corruption advocacy at the grassroots level.
He outlined the club’s programmes for the year, which include initiatives in community health, education, ethics, and civic responsibility, and expressed optimism that the EFCC Academy would partner with Rotary to educate young people and community members on cybercrime prevention and digital safety.
Utodio also revealed plans by Rotary to organise essay competitions in secondary schools in Karu to raise awareness about financial crimes, while intensifying campaigns to promote respect for Nigeria’s national symbols, including the national flag, anthem, and institutional emblems.
He assured that Rotary’s extensive global network, which reaches over 1.4 million members, would help amplify the EFCC’s anti-corruption message and promote ethical conduct across communities.
Responding, Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Joseph Ogwiji, welcomed the delegation and praised Rotary’s commitment to promoting integrity and civic responsibility.
He noted that both institutions share core values rooted in transparency, accountability, and truthfulness, explaining that while the EFCC operates at a national level, Rotary’s community-based approach complements the Commission’s preventive strategy.
According to him, prevention remains a central pillar of the EFCC’s mandate, as the agency seeks to build a culture of integrity and discourage corruption before it occurs.
He added that sustainable national development depends on investing in people and promoting ethical values rather than the pursuit of personal wealth at the expense of collective progress.
The visit underscored growing collaboration between civic organisations and anti-corruption institutions in promoting integrity, accountability, and public awareness as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against financial crimes.
