By Miriam Humbe
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has expressed the resolve of his administration to continuously enhance welfare of staff and create room for career progression within the Commission.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head, Media & Publicity disclosed this in a statement signed on Monday.
The EFCC Chairman gave the assurance at the 20th Anniversary Ceremony of the EFCC Detective Inspector Course One which took place at the Commission`s Academy in Karu, Abuja.
Olukoyede who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Commander of EFCC, CE Micheal Nzekwe stated that the Executive Chairman was always thinking of various ways to better the lives of his staff.
“The Executive Chairman is very interested in staff welfare. He is always thinking of what is next for staff, he is always talking about how the lives of staff are better in terms of welfare so that they are not distracted.
“In every system, career progression is something that is very important and I am glad many of you have improved yourself. As for the conversion thing that the Executive Chairman promised, it is as good as a done deal.
“Try as much as you can to be diligent and committed. Do not be an enemy to yourself because I see many of you becoming Chairman and Director. Take your hands away from anything that will discredit you, especially corruption”, he said.
The Director of Administration and Human Resources, Commander of EFCC, CE Femi Gbarufu recalled how the journey of the celebrants started 20 years ago.
He added that attaining 20 years of service out of 35years was very commendable and further urged them to be good ambassadors of EFCC as many of them are already taking up leadership positions already.
The Director of Investigation, Commander of EFCC, CE Abdulkarim Chukkol reminded the celebrants that becoming the first set of the EFCC Inspectorate Cadre means that they are pace- setters for all sets that are coming behind, encouraging them to be of good character and role models.
“When they say course one, it means number one, so you have set the pace for others coming behind. 20 years is actually a lot, any action you take in the course of your work, think of your family and loved ones.
“Anyone here can be a Chairman, I wish you God`s guidance and congratulations once again” he said.
The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE,1 Joseph Ogwiji while addressing the celebrants stated that he was part of their training exercise which makes him familiar with their growth and progress.
He encouraged them to keep upholding the tenets of integrity by abiding by their oath of service “because when an oath is broken it fights against you and when you abide by it, it works for you.
Also delivering his goodwill message, the Head, Media and Media and Publicity and Spokesperson of the EFCC, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Dele Oyewale told the celebrants that “in the journey of life, there is a position that is better than number one and the position is that of an overtaker”.
He urged them to continually equip themselves with excellence and integrity so that they are not overtaken.
Oyewale added that excellence should be guided jealously, encouraging officers to continually challenge themselves by letting the only competition be with themselves “as the nation is waiting for you to do well”.
In a welcome address, the Course Governor, Bala Mohammed appreciated the EFCC for shaping, testing, challenging, refining and providing the opportunities to serve the nation through the Commission as we have evolved from young recruits into mature, responsible and respected officers.
He expressed sincere appreciation to the Executive Chairman for the recent housing initiative that enabled qualified staff to acquire homes through a transparent and rigorous ballot process, an initiative that transformed the lifelong dreams of many officers into reality.
“We also thank the Chairman for the recent conversion exercise, which if followed through, many deserving officers, including members of this course, will be given opportunities for career progression.
“These commendable initiatives reflect a leadership approach that recognizes values, nurtures and invests in the growth and development of its personnel” he said.
The Anniversary provided opportunities for all the course members to come together, share experiences and forge a stronger union.
Awards were given to the Executive Chairman, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Director of Administration and Human Resources, Director of Investigation, Spokesperson of the Commission and Commandant of the EFCC Academy.
