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EFCC Calls On Religious Leaders To Intensify Anti-Corruption Efforts
EFCC Calls On Religious Leaders To Intensify Anti-Corruption Efforts
ABUJA, May 24, 2024 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged religious leaders across Nigeria to take a proactive stance in combating corruption and cybercrime…….CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, made this call during a Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting in Abuja. The event, themed “The Role of Religious Leaders in Combating Corruption and Cybercrime,” highlighted the significant influence of religious leaders in shaping societal values and promoting ethical conduct.
Olukoyede emphasized that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and mineral resources, corruption has severely impeded its development, exacerbating poverty and insecurity. He noted that corruption transcends ethnic and religious lines, necessitating a united effort to eradicate it.
“Ethnic identities and religious backgrounds of looters made no difference so far their fingers were on the till, hence the need for collective energies to defeat the common enemy,” Olukoyede stated.
NIREC, comprising 25 Christian and 25 Muslim representatives, serves as a voluntary association fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Olukoyede highlighted the paradox of Nigeria being one of the most religious yet one of the most corrupt nations globally. He criticized the inconsistency between religious teachings and the actions of many preachers, noting that some religious leaders have failed to exemplify the values they preach.
“Some preach against corruption but have no scruples yielding the front pew at worship centers to people of means whose sources of wealth are questionable. Religious titles are also sometimes given to persons of questionable pedigrees,” he remarked.
Olukoyede urged religious leaders to not overlook unethical behavior and moral decay within their congregations for the sake of financial support. He warned that the moral authority of clergy is being undermined by the emphasis on prosperity over righteousness, fostering a perception that instant wealth, regardless of its origin, is divinely sanctioned.
“The relevance of the clergy as a moral authority is being questioned by a number of practices. Among these is the emphasis on prosperity rather than righteousness. This has created the impression that instant wealth, irrespective of how it was obtained, is approved by God,” he asserted.
The EFCC chairman’s call to action underscores the vital role religious leaders play in combating corruption and promoting ethical behavior, urging them to leverage their influence to foster a culture of integrity and accountability in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday received former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The meeting was confirmed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The details of the discussion were not immediately made public at the time of filing this report.
More details are expected to follow.
The Federal Government has announced the death of Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, who passed away at the age of 50.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the statement, Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, following a prolonged illness.
The ministry described the late diplomat as a dedicated public servant, noting that until his death he served as Director of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It further stated that he had recently been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Ambassador-designate to Algeria, following Senate confirmation.
Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano. He had previously served in several Nigerian diplomatic missions, including Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.
The ministry praised him as an officer known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight, and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who received his remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, described him as “a hardworking, humble and fine officer who will be sorely missed.”
Lele was laid to rest on Wednesday in Kano according to Islamic rites.
The ministry described his death as a significant loss to his family, the Foreign Service, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Federal Government extended condolences to his family, associates, and the people of Bauchi State, praying for the repose of his soul and strength for those he left behind.
Nicolas Pepe has said he has no regrets about leaving Arsenal, adding that his move to Villarreal has brought him the stability and confidence he lacked during his time in north London.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Ivory Coast winger joined Arsenal in 2019 for a club-record fee of £72.5 million but struggled to fully establish himself. He scored 27 goals in 112 appearances before falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta as the squad underwent restructuring.
Pepe believes that limited communication with Arteta was a major challenge during his spell in England, contrasting it with his current relationship with Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral.
Speaking to Flashscore, he said: “First, it’s different. These two managers are really different.
“We’ll start with Arteta, who is a coach who asks for certain things. Sometimes it was a bit tough for me, where from time to time we didn’t have this communication. And that’s what I regret the most, not having enough communication with him.
“Then with coach Marcelino, it’s the opposite, where I think we talk about everything, about nothing, football, not football, whatever.
“I always say that I prefer a coach who is totally transparent with me, whether it’s the right or the wrong side. It allows me to move forward and progress.”
Now 30, Pepe has regained form in Spain, registering five goals and four assists in 29 La Liga appearances this season. He says the style of football in Spain suits him better.
He added: “It’s totally different in terms of intensity of play. In the Premier League, we were very much focused on the intensity whereas in Spain we are more relaxed. The idea of playing is to play the ball.
“With stadiums in England, I think there are no better ones. You can go to the third or fourth division, you will have stadiums that are filled with incredible atmosphere.
“In Spain, too, there’s atmosphere, but it’s totally different. So I think it’s two different leagues, but they are at a very high level.”
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