By Georgina George
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has received the Courageous Leadership in Anti-Corruption and Exemplary Integrity Award.
Mr Olukoyede received the award on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Nigeria’s Pride Awards organised by the First Green White Resources Centre (FGWRC), publishers of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine, Nationwide Reports and The Beauties of Nigeria TV.
Represented by the EFCC’s Head of Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC II, Aisha Mohammed, Mr Olukoyede urged Nigerians to uphold patriotism, transparency and hard work in promoting the country’s image.
He also said the majority of Nigerians were not involved in criminal activities but were often overshadowed by a few criminal-minded individuals engaged in fraud, cybercrime and other illicit activities.
“Too often, the loud voices of a few who engage in fraud and corruption have attempted to drown the quiet but patriotic majority of Nigerians who are doing great things honestly,” he asserted.
Mr Olukoyede also addressed other award recipients, describing them as ambassadors of a new Nigeria.
“You are not just recipients of an award, but ambassadors of a new Nigeria. You have proved that you do not need to steal to shine, cheat to succeed or compromise to become great,” he said.
The EFCC boss also stressed that enforcement alone was not enough to change the country’s image, adding that celebrating honesty and integrity was equally important in discouraging financial crimes and protecting the international reputation of Nigerian students and other citizens.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahaziah Suleiman, said the awards were strictly merit-based, with recipients selected after careful assessment of their contributions to society without their prior knowledge.
The event’s facilitator, Bonaventure Philips Melah, also commended the awardees, including public servants, entrepreneurs, security personnel and innovators.
Other prominent personalities recognised for their contributions to national development included Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and Dr Alex Usifo Omiagbo.
