The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says renown political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has sought its collaboration to promote government’s anti-corruption campaign in the private sector.
Spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement in Abuja that Utomi made the request during an unscheduled visit to the EFCC on Thursday.
Uwujaren said, “Utomi explained that part of the reason for his visit was to explore how he could engage the commission in bringing anti-money laundering knowledge and practices to players in the private sector of the Nigerian economy.
“He also expressed willingness to lend support to the commission’s prevention efforts by engaging youths in the states, particularly Delta where he hails from.”
Utomi, a promoter of the Lagos Business School and founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, reportedly lauded the doggedness of the EFCC Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, in the fight against corruption.
“The renown political economist who is passionate about anti-corruption issues, observed that corruption remained the greatest threat to Nigeria’s development.
“He pledged to support the efforts of the commission in changing the narrative as far as the fight against corruption was concerned,” the spokesman said.
Responding, Magu commended his guest for his “consistency in espousing positive values as catalyst for change”.
The EFCC boss noted that Nigeria would be a better place if citizens emulate role models like Utomi.