The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on the Nigerian media to remain vigilant, courageous, and united in the country’s ongoing battle against corruption.
Speaking at the annual lecture of the National Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC), Lagos Island branch, Olukoyede, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ezekwe Michael, praised journalists for their crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability.
“When our efforts are recognised as they are today, it boosts morale and strengthens our resolve to continue the fight with renewed vigour,” he stated.
Olukoyede stressed that combating corruption is a patriotic duty, warning that every act of corruption undermines national dignity and progress.
“We must no longer treat corruption lightly; we must be firm, resolute, and united,” Olukoyede declared.
He also called for enhanced cross-sector collaboration and emphasised the media’s power to shape public discourse, expose wrongdoing, and cultivate a culture of integrity.
Retired Justice Folashade Bankole-Oki, delivering the keynote address, urged urgent reforms in the justice sector, citing declining public confidence in the judiciary.
“There is a pressing need to strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria. Public trust has waned—and rightly so,” she said.
Justice Bankole-Oki advocated the adoption of modern technology, international best practices, and broader public engagement to address systemic inefficiencies.
She highlighted innovations within the Lagos State Judiciary, encouraging nationwide adoption of virtual hearings, e-filing, online dispute resolution, and paperless trials to reduce case backlogs and delays.
She further emphasised the importance of secure digital storage, electronic evidence management, and the use of artificial intelligence in legal processes—while cautioning against overdependence on technology.
“Technology, media, international benchmarks, and public feedback are no longer optional; they are essential to building an efficient and transparent justice system,” she asserted.
The retired justice also stressed responsible journalism, warning against sensationalism that could harm the judiciary’s credibility.
While opposing restrictive measures such as mandatory blogger registration, she called for increased accuracy, accountability, and fact-checked reporting within the media.
On whistleblowing, she encouraged media practitioners to support protective measures against retaliation while ensuring the process is not abused.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, represented by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, advocated for stronger collaboration between the judiciary and court reporters to ensure fair and accurate coverage.
The Chairman of the occasion, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, commended recent initiatives by the Chief Justice of Nigeria to publish judicial nominees for public scrutiny, describing it as a landmark step towards transparency in the judiciary.
NAJUC Chairman, Mr. Olugbenga Soyele, described the lecture theme, “Strengthening the Administration of Justice Through Technology, International Best Practices, Media, and Public Feedback,” as timely and critical to ongoing judicial reforms.
The event concluded with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to EFCC Chairman Olukoyede, recognising his unwavering commitment to the anti-corruption campaign.
