The Zonal Commander, Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, has called on members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, to complement the work of the EFCC, describing the role of the institute as vital in the fight against corruption in Nigeria
Nzekwe gave this admonition on Thursday, March 21, 2024 while playing host to the executive members of the NIPR, Kwara Chapter, led by the Commissioner for Communications, Honourable Bola Olukoju, who were on advocacy visit to the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Commission.
He said: “The NIPR occupies a unique place in the fight against corruption and impunity in Nigeria. The institute must do all it could to project the activities of the Commission positively at all times and fight quackery in the industry to checkmate the spread of fake news.
“For corruption to be effectively tackled, the institute must align itself with the ideals of the Commission and progressive aspirations of Nigerians.”
He gave instances of occasions when the works of the Commission were misrepresented in the media, which he tied to calculated efforts by unpatriotic elements and the corrupt to discredit its good works.
While stressing the need for continued collaboration between the NIPR and the Commission, the zonal commander called on the institute to always uphold the ethics of their profession and always apply sanctions on erring practitioners.
He thanked the guests for the visit and assured that their request regarding the release of the Command’s public affairs officers for participation in the forthcoming national spokespersons summit in Abuja would be transmitted to the management for consideration and approval.
The leader of the delegation and Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju, had earlier appreciated the zonal commander for the warm reception accorded her team.
She commended the EFCC for its efforts in ensuring that corruption becomes a thing of the past in this country, and assured that the Kwara State Government would continue to give necessary support to the Commission in its bid to free the state of corruption.
Speaking on the essence of the visit, a council member and professor of communication studies, University of Ilorin, Saudat Abdulbaqi, stressed the importance of public relations in an organization. 
She sought the partnership and support of the EFCC in the execution of NIPR’s coming programmes, especially the National Spokespersons Summit holding between March 25 -28 in Abuja, Nigerian Reputation Fair, Nigerian School of Public Relations, Anti-Corruption and Consumer Protection Hub, among others.
The University Don also commended the EFCC for having a strong media team in Kwara, describing it as a pride to the institute. She enjoined the zonal commander to ensure the active participation of the officers in the institute’s meetings and activities whenever the need arose.
On the visit were Mr. Ishola Gbenga, Acting Chairman; Mr. Abdulrahman Sanni, Secretary; Mrs. Olufemi Olanrewaju, Treasurer; Mr. Adegbulugbe Philip, PRO; Alhaji Saadudeen Salaudeen, fnipr and two other members of the institute, Dr. Saadu Kayode and Lah Saadu.
