By Nkechi Eze
The National Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to keep a close eye on how local government areas manage their funds, now that they have financial autonomy. This call for transparency and accountability comes after the government granted local governments more control over their finances.
This call was made in Abuja on Thursday, February 6, 2025 when the Chairman of NCYP, Isaac Abrak led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the commission’s corporate headquarters.
According to Abrak, development at the grassroots level was low and only prudent management of resources being channeled to local government areas could accelerate growth, reduce poverty and light up the areas. “We come from the grassroots, we know what’s going on in the local government, we thank the President for giving the local government autonomy. If the local government can achieve 40 percent of what they are supposed to do, we can record a robust development. That is why we came to you, we want proper monitoring of the management of resources, we want to offer our hand of partnership so that the commonwealth sent to the grassroots is utilized”, he said.
While applauding the Efcc boss on his strides, the youth leader stressed that his performance has shown that he is living up to the demands of his faith as a Christian.
“We are proud of you, you have represented our faith in a standard manner.” he said.
Abrak also commended the professionalism and diligence of officers of the EFCC in winning the P&ID case for Nigeria in 2023. He expressed satisfaction with the record-breaking achievements of Olukoyede since he assumed duties as the EFCC’s Chairman.
Further more, Abrak decried the rising involvement of youths in internet fraud in the Northern part of Nigeria, maintaining that “cyber crime has encroached into the North and we want the EFCC to intensify its operations in this part of the country”.
Olukoyede In his Response appreciated the group for the visit and urged members of the group to use their platforms to unite Nigerians to do what is right.
“Doing the right thing has nothing to do with whether you are a Christian or a Muslim. Let’s continue to operate as people of integrity irrespective of our faith”, he said.
He agreed with the group on the need for closer monitoring of allocations to the local government, stressing that the Commission will continue to do its job in the overall interests of the nation. “There is need for us to monitor allocations going to the grassroots and we have started that already. We have a department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control that is closely monitoring and tracking payments, contracts and other releases to ensure that funds are expended on what they are meant for.
