The Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Usoro Akpabio, has lauded the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for the transformative reforms he has initiated within the anti-graft agency over the past two years.
Akpabio expressed her admiration for Olukoyede’s leadership during a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja yesterday.
Leading a delegation from the SSDC, she praised Olukoyede for his efforts in promoting accountability, integrity, and transparency in the fight against corruption.
“We would like to acknowledge the reforms you and your commission have put in place,” Akpabio stated.
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“You have brought in a lot of accountability, integrity, and transparency. We are here to say that we want to collaborate with you. We are open to initiatives and training from the EFCC, especially in ensuring that all our internal and external activities embrace full compliance, not just for the commission but also to join in the fight to uphold regional integrity.”
Echoing her sentiments, Larry Odey, an SSDC board member representing Cross River State, described Olukoyede’s tenure as a “watershed” moment for the EFCC.
“Your tenure truly represents the end of an era and the beginning of another,” Odey said.
“There are clear indications everywhere to show the whole country that you are set to change the narratives. I can only implore you and your team to continue the good work.”
However, Olukoyede expressed his delight at the visit and underscored the high expectations placed on the SSDC’s management as a pioneer team tasked with making a tangible difference in the lives of the people across the six states of the Niger Delta region.
He emphasised that the commission must be founded on the core principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency.“
Given your mandate, so much is expected of you and your team,” Olukoyede said, recalling the challenges faced by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the past.
“Establish yourself and let people know that your commission is founded on integrity, accountability, and transparency. In whatever you are doing, those three keywords must play major roles.”
Olukoyede urged Akpabio and her team to view their appointments as a call to service and to prioritise the welfare of the people in the region, who, despite their abundant natural resources, have been subjected to “abject poverty.”
He highlighted the EFCC’s role in recovering funds for the region, citing a recent example of projects commissioned in Bayelsa State that were executed with recovered assets.
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The EFCC Chairman also offered a strong piece of advice to the SSDC management, encouraging them to familiarise themselves with Nigeria’s financial laws and regulations, particularly the Public Procurement Act.
“Let them be your Bible and your Quran,” he advised. “Don’t make yourself vulnerable. Make sure that there is value for every dime you spend and for every contract you award.”
He assured the SSDC of the EFCC’s full support and collaboration to ensure they successfully fulfil their mandate and leave a lasting legacy.
