The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has directed Heads of Public Affairs across the Commission to embrace emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, and deploy innovative communication strategies to tell the EFCC story and counter misinformation.
He gave the charge on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the closing ceremony of a Two-Day Executive Master Class on AI, Digital Media, Fact-Checking and Strategic Corporate Communication for Public Institutions. The training, held at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, was organised for Heads of Public Affairs Departments of the Commission. Olukoyede was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda.
Commending the organisers and participants, Olukoyede said the rapidly changing communication environment demands that the Commission’s media professionals stay ahead of new technologies, trends and narratives. He described the training as timely, noting that the Commission is intensifying engagement with Nigerians and communicating the impact of its anti-corruption activities.
The EFCC boss urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired into improved performance. “Effective communication is central to public understanding, institutional credibility and sustainable support for the anti-corruption campaign,” he said. He added that the Commission expects its Public Affairs officers to develop more compelling narratives, respond intelligently to emerging issues, and ensure that the EFCC’s story is told with accuracy, speed and credibility.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe, applauded the contributions of the Public Affairs arm to projecting the Commission’s image and advancing its mandate. He acknowledged their strategic role in explaining the Commission’s work to the public and shaping understanding of its activities. Nzekwe encouraged the team to sustain professionalism, creativity, and commitment in telling the EFCC’s story in ways that resonate with Nigerians.
The Director, Public Affairs Department, Commander of the EFCC, CE Wilson Uwujaren, thanked management for sponsoring the training, describing the investment as timely and valuable. He charged zonal Heads of Public Affairs to return to their formations better equipped to deploy emerging communication technologies, fact-check information, develop compelling digital content, and communicate the Commission’s activities more strategically. Uwujaren stressed that the true value of any training is measured by its impact on performance.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Executive Director of the West Africa Broadcast Media Academy, Mike Yawe, said the programme provided participants with an opportunity to “learn, unlearn, rethink and refine” their approaches to communication. He noted that AI now offers opportunities to research faster, generate ideas, and improve content, but cautioned that human judgement, ethics and responsibility must guide its use. Yawe urged participants to “use AI tools responsibly. Verify before you amplify. Think strategically before you communicate. And never compromise the credibility of the institution you represent.”
