…approves promotion of over 900 staff
By Nkechi Eze
As part of recognizing and rewarding excellence, boosting morale of staff, fostering a culture of excellence, retaining talent, and enhancing its corporate reputation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, 25th January, 2025, held its 2024 Annual Award.
During the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede honored the memory of Aminu Sahabi Salisu, a slain Assistant Superintendent officer who lost his life in the line of duty on January 17, 2025, by a suspected cybercrime perpetrator, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, by naming the Academy‘s Administrative Block after him. Okukoyede paid tribute to Salisu, acknowledging him as a devoted and steadfast officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
Speaking at the occasion, the EFCC boss described the event as one of the most defining moments in the annals of the commission.
“We are gathered to honour officers who have acquitted themselves well in the course of last year. Your collective efforts ensured that the Commission retains its position as the most effective anti-corruption agency in Nigeria. In 2024, we actually broke new grounds in terms of records of convictions and asset recovery”.
He reassured the officers that the management prioritizes their well-being and remains dedicated to providing the necessary tools and assistance, enabling them to perform their duties efficiently.
Olukoyede stressed that integrity, hard work, and professionalism are crucial in achieving the Commission’s objectives. He also highlighted the EFCC’s remarkable progress in 2024, marked by unprecedented records of convictions and asset recovery.
Additionally, he informed the officers that management acknowledges the challenges they encounter and is actively working to alleviate them, with measures including the provision of transportation and insurance benefits.
He praised the awardees for their dedication to the Commission’s core values and urged those who didn’t receive awards to keep striving for excellence, emphasizing that recognition is not limited to awards, but rather a continuous pursuit of outstanding performance.
“Your collective efforts ensured that the Commission retains its position as the most effective anti-corruption agency in Nigeria. In 2024, we actually broke new grounds in terms of records of convictions and asset recovery.
“In the future, we can look back and recall 2024 as the year our agency made history with the single largest property forfeiture and the single largest arrest in an operation.
“I want to congratulate all the winners for their roles. I can only charge you all not to rest on your oars. Excellence is not about doing things right once in a while; it is about doing things right all the time.
“You need to continue to offer your best, as the reward for hard work is more work. Government expects us to do more, and we cannot afford to fail.
“Let me also assure you all at this moment that management is aware of the challenges which staff face in the discharge of their responsibilities and efforts are being made to address them. One of them is that the commission have taken delivery of CNG Buses to alleviate staff transportation challenges, another is the approval for the allocation of 84 units of apartments in the Lekki area of Lagos state to staff in subsidized rate. Also the commission has approved the promotion of over 900 staff.
“For those who are not privileged to make it to the podium this year, this event should be a motivation to redouble your efforts. No staff should feel discouraged for not lifting an award.
“EFCC, under my leadership, will continue to recognize and celebrate those who distinguish themselves in the discharge of their duties.
“Indeed, this recognition, coming at a time like this when some bad eggs in our fold are trying to bring back the hand of the clock against our cherished values, is a morale booster. It shows that hard work pays and integrity has good rewards,” he said.
He continued, “For those taking shortcuts to help themselves, I equally charge you to retrace your steps to accountable conduct. The internal cleansing going on in the Commission will spare no one,” he warned.
Olukoyede further assured that every officer that lost their life or sustained any fatal injury in the line of duty will not be forgotten.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of award to the staff of the year, CSE Alvan Gurumnaan, of the department of special duties, who won a brand new car.
Also presentation of awards to other categories which includes; sections with the highest recoveries in zonal Directorates, sections with the highest convictions in zonal Directorates, best staff in departments, prosecutors with highest convictions and posthumous award for slain officer, Aminu Sahabi Salisu.
