In a concerted effort to deepen the fight against corruption and financial crimes, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and the Corporate Online Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, have called for a strengthened collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The proposal was made during a recent courtesy visit by the Enugu State Coordinator of the PCRC, Martins Chiedozie Ugwu, and his delegation to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Enugu Zonal Command, ACE I Aisha Abubakar.
During the engagement, Ugwu underscored the need for a united front in combating corruption, especially through public education.
He proposed a strategic alliance with the Commission in organising grassroots sensitisation campaigns that would target youth leaders, community stakeholders, and civil society organisations.
“Our mission is to work closely with the EFCC in enlightening the public on the grave consequences of corruption and financial crimes. We are planning a youth-focused conference to promote civic responsibility and anti-corruption values. Recognizing the enormous burden on your Commission, we believe that by joining forces, we can expand your reach and impact through proactive community engagement”, Ugwu said.
Responding, Acting Zonal Director Abubakar welcomed the proposal, emphasising the EFCC’s commitment to its preventive mandate.
She noted that sensitisation remains a core strategy in the Commission’s efforts to curb economic and financial crimes.
“At the EFCC, we take public enlightenment very seriously. Beyond investigation and enforcement, we are deeply involved in educating citizens on how corruption erodes societal development. The public must be empowered with information to resist and report financial crimes”, she said.
Also speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Corporate Online Chapel of the NUJ, Mr. Clinton Umeh, expressed the Chapel’s interest in joining hands with the EFCC to reach young people through digital media and journalism.
He highlighted the growing concern over the surge in cybercrimes and the need for collaborative efforts in reorienting youths.
Umeh said, “As journalists, especially in the digital space, we interact daily with the public and see first-hand the misinformation that fuels criminal behavior among youths,” Umeh said. “We want to be part of your campaign to educate and rehabilitate. With the right awareness, many young people can be diverted from the path of crime.”
In her closing remarks, Abubakar commended the media for its crucial role in shaping public opinion and holding institutions accountable.
She described the NUJ as a vital stakeholder in the anti-corruption campaign and reaffirmed the EFCC’s readiness to build stronger ties with journalists and civil society groups.
According to her, “Collaboration is one of the EFCC’s core values” From inception, our mandate has included working with partners to raise awareness and promote integrity. We also encourage information sharing. The EFCC has secure, anonymous channels like the Eagle Eye app that allow citizens to report crimes discreetly.”
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to pursue concrete steps towards launching joint sensitization initiatives across Enugu State.
