The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, has thrown its weight behind the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede for appointing one of their members, Dele Oyewale, as the spokesperson of the commission.
President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku who made the asertion during a courtesy visit on the EFCC boss observed that the Anti Graft Agency always employ the services of professionals to man their media vis a vis public relations unit.
He added that such would not only bolster the image of the commission but has enhanced the relationship it has with the public.
According to him, “we discovered that in the EFCC, you have always maintained the compliance principle which gives us that impression that this is indeed a professional organisation. We want to commend you for the support that you have given Mr Dele Oyewale when he was appointed the Head Media and Publicity. He is one of us and we are giving him all the support that he need. Before him was Wilson Uwujaren, also our member. ”
While commending the EFCC boss for his tenacity in fighting economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, the NIPR president sought the partnership of the commission in the execution of its upcoming programmes especially the National Spokesperson Summit, Nigerian Reputation Fair, Nigerian School of Public Relations, Anti-Corruption and Consumer Protection Hub among others.
Responding, the EFCC Chairman appreciated the Institute and assured the President of NIPR of more collaborative engagement.
He called for greater public awareness and sensitization concerning the menace of corruption, maintaining that publicity and collective responsibility are crucial to achieve success in the anti-corruption fight.
According to him, “As an Agency, our mandate is to fight economic and financial crimes and there is no way you will be successful in this fight without public engagement. One thing I have discovered in the anti-corruption fight is the need for collective responsibility.
I see Nigerians looking at this fight as a fight between EFCC and the rest of Nigerians or between ICPC or any other relevant Agency and the rest of Nigerians. As long as we continue on that particular note, there is no way we will make progress.”
