Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, delivered a strong message to religious leaders, urging them to take a more active role in combating corruption and cybercrime.
“As a deeply religious society,” Olukoyede said, “we believe that religious organizations and their leaders have crucial roles to play in inculcating morals, which is the foundation for integrity and accountability in the conduct of individual and public affairs.”
Olukoyede lamented the negative impact of corruption on Nigeria’s development, highlighting its ability to perpetuate poverty and insecurity despite the country’s rich resources.
“Corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society, with its attendant effects on the citizenry,” he stated. “Nigeria has all it takes – human and mineral resources – to truly be the Giant of Africa, but she is held back by corruption.”
The EFCC Chairman emphasized the need for a collective effort, stressing that religious leaders must join forces with the EFCC.
“The task to ensure that we do not create an environment for the corrupt to take over our society belongs to every one of us,” Olukoyede said. “It should not be left only to the EFCC.”
He further criticized some religious leaders for tolerating corrupt practices and failing to speak out against them.
“Religious leaders must always preach against evil things,” Olukoyede urged. “They yearn for role models and mentors.”
Olukoyede proposed a focus on integrity alongside prosperity in religious teachings, along with leading by example.
“Men of faith also sometimes forget that, as leaders, they are accountable to God and their flock,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman commended the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for promoting interfaith dialogue and collaboration. He announced the development of “Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manuals” to assist religious leaders in incorporating anti-corruption and cybercrime messages into their sermons.
The NIREC meeting participants agreed on the crucial role of religious leaders in promoting ethical behavior and pledged their support to the EFCC’s fight against corruption.
This call to action positions religious leaders to take a more proactive stance against corruption and cybercrime, using their influence to promote a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.
Yes religious leaders can help in this issue but it also depends on the individual choice to to obey or not
Corruption has been a negative influence on most people especially in Nigeria
We lie to ourselves so much in this country all the cases before them which has been convicted
Why would they ask them tonstop as in what nii.
That’s a good o e and a welcome development for the good and development of the country positively
I love that keep it up update country develop one day
He should first arrest his boss the president and let’s see if he has the moral rights to talk to our religious leaders
It’s a good development. All hands must be on deck. Let’s fight this together.
Nicely said I’m sure the religious leaders will adhere to it asap
Nice point
Religious leaders preaches against all these but it’s left for the people to put them to practice