The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has expressed the resolve of his administration to continuously enhance staff welfare and create opportunities for career progression within the Commission.

He gave this 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 the EFCC (CE) Michael Nzekwe, stated that the Executive Chairman is always thinking of various ways to improve the lives of staff.

“The Executive Chairman is very interested in staff welfare. He is always thinking about what comes next for staff. He is always talking about how the lives of staff can be improved 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 yourselves. As for the conversion exercise 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 yourselves because I see many of you becoming Chairmen and Directors. Keep your hands away from anything that will discredit you, especially corruption,” he said.

The Director of Administration and Human Resources, Commander of the 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 a possible 35 years was highly commendable and urged them to continue being good ambassadors of the EFCC, noting that many of them are already taking up leadership positions.

In his goodwill message, the Director of Investigation, Commander of the EFCC (CE) Abdulkarim Chukkol, reminded the celebrants that becoming the first set of the EFCC Inspectorate Cadre means they are pace-setters for all subsequent sets. He encouraged them to be of good character and serve as role models.

“When they say Course One, it means number one, so you have set the pace for others coming behind. Twenty years is indeed a long time. In every action you take in the course of your work, think of your family and loved ones. Anyone here can become Chairman. I wish you God’s guidance, and congratulations once again,” he said.

The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Joseph Ogwiji, stated that he was part of their training exercise, making him familiar with their growth and progress. He encouraged them to continue upholding the tenets of integrity by abiding by their oath of service.

“When an oath is broken, it works against you, but when you abide by it, it works for you,” he said.

Also delivering his goodwill message, the Head of 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 that position is that of an overtaker.”

He urged them to continually equip themselves with excellence and integrity so they would not be overtaken.

Oyewale added that excellence should be jealously guarded, encouraging the officers to continually challenge themselves by making themselves their only competition, as “the nation is waiting for you to do well.”

In his welcome address, the Course Governor, Bala Mohammed, appreciated the EFCC for “shaping, testing, challenging, refining, and providing us with the opportunity to serve the nation through the Commission, as we have evolved from young recruits into mature, responsible, and respected officers.”

He also 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, will give many deserving officers, including members of this course, opportunities for career progression. These commendable initiatives reflect a leadership approach that recognizes value, nurtures talent, and invests in the growth and development of its personnel,” he said.

The anniversary provided an opportunity for all course members to come together, share experiences, and strengthen their bond. Awards were presented to the Executive Chairman, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, the Director of Investigation, the Spokesperson of the Commission, and the Commandant of the EFCC Academy.