Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede has sought the collective role of Media and Civil Society Organization (CSO) to tackle the emerging cybercrime fraud threat the country’s financial security.
The EFCC boss posited that landscape of crime in the world is rapidly evolving with a dramatic shift from traditional schemes to sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud, difficult for anti-graft commission alone to defeat.
Olukoyede spoke on Thursday during a one day sensitization workshop organised by the commission for members of Correspondents’ Chapel and CSO in Kano.
The anti-graft boss described journalists and the CSO as major and critical drivers of change in the socio-economic landscape, reminded the greater role of both to strengthening war against economic and financial crimes.
Olukoyede, who was representing by EFCC acting Zonal Director, Kano Zone, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad explained that the sensitization was intended to strengthen the capacity of participants to understanding cryptocurrency fraud and other emerging cyber and financial crimes in Nigeria.
” CSOs serve as the conscience of the society and a vital bridge between the government and the citizenry while Journalists, on the other hand, wield the powerful pen that shapes public opinion, holds power accountable, and illuminates the dark corners where corruption often thrives.
“Together, you are indispensable allies in the fight to safeguard our economy and our collective future. The primary objectives of the workshop is primary objective of this workshop is to provide crucial guidance on the intricacies of Prosecuting Financial Crimes; Issues, challenges we face and how to come together and find a better way forward to rid Nigeria of economic and financial crimes including corruption.
“Another very important benefit we aim to achieve from this workshop is to build and deepen a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the EFCC and your esteemed organizations. Our fight against corruption is not a solo mission; it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence.
“In our contemporary world, the landscape of crime is rapidly evolving. We are witnessing a dramatic shift from traditional schemes to sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud. Therefore, a key segment of today’s engagement will be dedicated to enlightening you on the burgeoning threats of cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-criminal activities”. Olukoyede said.
On his part, EFCC spokesperson Mr. Dele Oyewole said the commission presently championing preventive frame work strategy, a dimensional approach to fight against corruption.
Mr. Oyewole revealed the establishment of fraud risk assessment department entrusted to examines procurement processes at government MDA’s, a pragmatic approach to prevent corruption.
The EFCC spokesperson therefore solicited media support through constant vigilance, and interrogation of those driving the corrupt practices on how they dispense public fund in their custody.
According to him, “Journalists need to develop third eye. As media opratives and CSOs we know those driving the corrupt practices. When we see something, we need to do something. As professionals, we need to put on our investigative skill apart from vigilance.
“Media should be asking questions from political exposed people to tell us what they do with the public resources. EFCC has the mandate to do what is right but we cannot do it alone. The media and CSOs also need to start doing the right thing. There is need to collaborate with journalists and CSO to achieve meaningful result”. Oyewole noted.
