The Ilorin Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE Michael Nzekwe has called on the Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, KWACCIMA to embrace the use of the EFCC’s online corruption reporting application, Eagle Eye App, to report cases of economic and financial crimes in its business environment, stressing that “it is safer, faster and more convenient”.
He made this call on Friday, May 20, 2022 when the President of KWACCIMA, Mr. Olalekan Ayodimeji paid him a Courtesy Visit in his office. Nzekwe acknowledged the role of KWACCIMA in its advocacy and greater support for the EFCC in the fight against corruption and charged the Chamber to be more involved in driving business owners in Kwara State on the path of integrity and zero corruption.
The Zonal Commander used the occasion to educate the visitors on the recently launched ‘Strategic Plan’ by the Executive Chairman, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, which is designed to serve as a roadmap for the realisation of the Commission’s mandate. According to him, the Plan, would among other things, increase public engagement in the fight against corruption.
He assured the Chamber of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in its fight against corruption, adding that no one could fight corruption alone without the engagement of other stakeholders. “No one can fight corruption alone. We value stakeholders’ engagements. When we see stakeholders identifying with us, we are always glad at it”, he said.
Earlier in his introductory remarks, Ayodimeji expressed readiness to compliment the efforts of the EFCC, in its quest to entrench a stable and corruption-free environment for businesses to thrive in the state. Explaining the rationale of the visit, Ayodimeji said that: “We are here on advocacy visit. We are partners in the course of promoting growth and development, not only in Kwara State, but in the country. We do not condone acts of corruption in the conduct of businesses. As much as possible, we have been trying our best to contribute our quota to the economic growth of the state and national development through creation of employment opportunities, payment of taxes and dues to government among others”.
The KWACCIMA President sought for closer rapport between the EFCC and his Chamber with a view to sanitising the business community and boosting the economy of the state. Specifically, he urged the Command to address the issue of difficulty in having businesses registered online with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering SCUML as well as other related issues faced by business owners in the state.
He was accompanied on the visit by Prince Ayo Fagbemi, Director General, KWACCIMA, and four other officials and council members .
