The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) efforts in the fight against corruption, advocating for social justice, and the organization 23 years of impact in Nigeria were lauded by the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede at the organization’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Speaking as the guest speaker at the anniversary lecture themed “Navigating the Nexus of Anticorruption and Good Governance in Nigeria: Striking a Balance for Economic, Social, and Environmental Justice,” Olukoyede lauded HEDA’s pivotal role in combating corruption and advocating for good governance in Nigeria.
The EFCC boss, also disclosed that the EFCC had recovered over N60 billion and $10 million in under four months since assuming office. He highlighted the investigation of 3,000 out of the 5,000 petitions received, emphasizing innovative measures to prevent and minimize public fund embezzlement and financial crimes.
Olukoyede reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging the anti-corruption agenda to boost Nigeria’s economy, stressing the need for collective responsibility in curbing corruption.
In response, HEDA Chairman Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju acknowledged the daunting challenges in the anti-corruption fight and urged Nigerians to contribute from their spheres to the cause. He emphasized HEDA’s role in supporting agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, and others, calling for a robust policing system and judicial accountability to ensure effective corruption prosecution.
The EFCC’s adherence to professionalism and the rule of law, Suraju noted, would encourage Nigerians’ participation in economic growth and development.
