The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched its Anti-Corruption Radio in Abuja, which is also the first of its kind in Africa.
The EFCC Radio 97.3 FM, was established to provide day-to-day information, enlightenment, entertainment and campaigns against corruption in the country.
At the Inauguration of the Station, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and EFCC boss, Ola Olukoyede, bared their minds on the menace of fake news, stressing that all efforts should be geared towards fighting it.
Idris said: As a Minister, we feel very glad for this step, because we put too much focus on catching people rather than advocacy, enlightenment and sensitization. I am happy, now that we are making the right step in the right direction; because, nobody can tell a story better than you are; so, fake news and mis-information are things we need to come together and fight by putting out facts so that the right information can be out there, and radio is the simplest way of reaching the larger audience.
He assured the EFCC of increased support and collaboration in the working of the radio station and other works of the Commission.
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On his part, Olukoyede went down memory lane concerning the conception and crystallisation of the idea of a radio station for the Commission, describing its commissioning as a milestone. Like Malagi, he denounced the scourge of fake news and its attendant disservice to the works of the EFCC, maintaining that the radio station would help the Commission tell its own stories more accurately.
The anti-graft Czar commended all those who played various roles in birthing the vision that had finally crystallized, particularly commending the National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC) for investing in the vision of the Commission at a time when ownership of license by public institutions was completely novel.
For us, owning a radio is not a status symbol but an important organ of mobilization against graft where communication and public engagement have the same impact and depth as our operational activities. Indeed, we are in a better position to tell our stories.
This avenue, I believe, will deepen the relationship with the public towards the fight against corruption. It is important to let people know about what we do. We recognise that radio has a wider reach so the next step is to increase the coverage so that the public can reach out to us and we too can reach out to the public, he further added.
?Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes, Sen. Emmanuel Udende, described corruption as a monster crippling growth and development of the nation. He commended the EFCC for its impact and reach across the country, stressing that the fear of EFCC has become the pillar of economic and financial wisdom in Nigeria. The giant strides of the Commission are highly commendable which underscores the importance of EFCC Radio 97.3FM, because today, there is so much misinformation of facts; I am hopeful that the station will boost publicity and awareness about corruption and also bring the Commission closer to the people.
Chairman, the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Kayode Akinolu, called on all Nigerians to make the EFCC Radio as their preferred station as public enlightenment is needed in the anti-graft fight.
Pioneer and former Director of Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, while giving his goodwill message, praised the Executive Chairman for his support and efforts towards the Radio station.
He assured Olukoyede that the staff of the public department are capable of handling the operational and professional needs of the station.
