Remain good ambassadors, Olukoyede tells EFCC Retirees

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. Photo: EFCC

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has urged retired officers to protect the agency’s image and uphold its values of integrity and transparency.

He made the appeal on Friday, when members of the Association of Retired Officers of the EFCC visited its Abuja headquarters.

The commission shared details of the meeting on its X page.

Olukoyede praised the retirees for their contributions, saying, “Permit me to thank you for your contributions to building the EFCC. Your names will be written in gold. Without your legacy and efforts, the EFCC would not exist today.”

He said his administration had prioritised internal reforms since he assumed office in October 2023, disclosing that more than 40 staff members had been dismissed for gross misconduct and indiscipline.

“When I came on board as the Executive Chairman in October 2023, there was a serious need for reorganisation and restructuring for internal cleansing against corrupt practices,” he said.

Urging the retirees to protect the commission’s reputation, Olukoyede said, “The way you portray yourselves outside is very important. Let us come together and uphold the standard of this commission. Respect this brand, EFCC. Do not tarnish this image.”

He said their support had also contributed to the Commission’s achievements in convictions and asset recoveries.

“We could not have achieved the convictions and recoveries without your support,” he added.

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On their welfare, Olukoyede assured the retirees that the commission would sustain the payment of their severance packages. He also disclosed plans to engage them as resource persons in its leadership development programmes and establish an estate for serving and retired personnel on a subscription basis.

Earlier, the association’s President, Dr Ayo Olowonihi, described the visit as its second engagement with the commission and thanked its leadership for facilitating the payment of severance packages and allowances.

Olowonihi, a former commandant of the EFCC Academy, also praised Olukoyede for helping secure the association’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

He disclosed that the chairman had been appointed its branch patron.

“Our association is now a registered entity to provide for the welfare of members and support the realisation of the EFCC’s mandate. We thank the EFCC chairman for fast-tracking the registration,” he said.

He described the commission’s achievements as the collective efforts of serving and retired officers who had contributed to its growth.

The association president also appealed for an office and a dedicated welfare desk for retirees, as well as opportunities to contribute their expertise to the commission’s training programmes.

“We appeal for a befitting office for the Association and a special retirees’ welfare desk to serve as the eyes and ears of the commission for retirees.

“We seek recognition of our training and expertise, given our wealth of knowledge and years of experience. A strong retiree association is a strong and valuable asset to the commission,” he said.