EFCC To Strengthen Partnership With Media, CSOs To Combat Cyber-crime, Others
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) says it is poised to deepen synergy with the media and Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) to curb economic and financial crimes in the country.
Such crimes,the commission said, include cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-criminal activities.
The Executive Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede,made the remark at a one-day sensitization workshop for Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) and the media, held at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate on Thursday.
Represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Kano Zonal Directorate, Sa’ad Hanafi,
Olukoyede said the measure was necessary as the fight against corruption is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust and shared intelligence.
“The 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,” he said.
According to him,the choice of CSOs and Journalists was both deliberate and strategic as they are not merely observers in the socio-economic landscape of the nation.
“You are critical drivers of change. CSOs serve as the conscience of the society and a vital bridge between the government and the citizenry.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 chairman said.
He said the workshop aimed to educate and inform participants on understanding cryptocurrency fraud and other emerging cyber and financial crimes as well as to provide crucial guidance on the intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes–”challenges we face and how to come together and find a better way forward to rid Nigeria of economic and financial crimes, including corruption.”
He observed that the world is witnessing a dramatic shift from traditional schemes to sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud, hence the need to enlighten participants on the burgeoning threats of cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-criminal activities.
Olukoyede also said that the workshop was designed to enhance the understanding of CSOs and journalists on the legal and procedural intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes.
“The workshop will also go a long way in fostering a strategic partnership between the EFCC, CSOs, and the media in promoting a preventative and citizen-driven approach to combating corruption,” he said.
The chairman also stressed the need to enlighten the participants on emerging threats, particularly cryptocurrency fraud and equip them with the knowledge to understand and report on such modern crimes.
The workshop was attended by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ,Kano State Council,as well as members of various Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) operating the state.