The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has charged media practitioners across the country to use their platforms to expose fraudulent and corrupt practices in all sectors of society.
He gave this charge in Warri, Delta State, while addressing the 12th Annual Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, ACSPN
Speaking through Assistant Commander of the EFCC and Head, Public Affairs, Benin Zonal Directorate, ACE 1Williams Oseghale on the theme, “Corruption, Governance and Media in Nigeria,” Olukoyede commended the Association for bringing the issues of corruption, good governance and the media to the front burner, noting that media was crucial in the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.
According to the EFCC helmsman, “The Nigerian media in the days of some of the nation’s founding fathers, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Anthony Enahoro and others, remains a reference point in patriotism and nationalism as they used their platforms to fight colonialism, social injustice and the pursuit of Nigeria’s independence. Again, during the military rule, the media played a critical role in the fight against military misrule, which led to the enthronement of democracy in our country.”
He urged media practitioners not to abdicate that cardinal role. “I urge media practitioners to use their various platforms to fight against corruption and the twin evils of economic and financial crimes in our country. Current media practitioners should emulate their predecessors and delve into investigative journalism and expose the atrocities and activities of fraudsters who defraud innocent people of their hard-earned money and those who use their positions to siphon public funds.”
He noted that it was when the media successfully discharged its roles and responsibilities that it could be said to have fulfilled its constitutional mandate as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, holding the government accountable to the people.
Olukoyede posited that corruption can be defeated and good governance enthroned if the people individually and collectively play their roles as good citizens by being accountable, transparent and committed to due process and procedures.
He further urged media practitioners and professionals to support the Commission by disseminating, educating and enlightening the public not just about the Commission but with the right information on the negative impact of corruption on our society.
President of ACSPN, Professor Rotimi Williams Olatunji noted that the conference theme was significant given that corruption undermines good governance, economic development, social justice and public trust in institutions.
He noted that though the media was crucial in building a stable society, it faces numerous challenges that hinder its effectiveness, adding that the 2025 Conference provided a platform for exchange of ideas that afforded media practitioners the opportunity to engage in critical discussions, review of pressing issues and advancing the field of communication scholarship and practice in Nigeria and the global community.
