The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to persist in its efforts to combat crime and minimise corruption.

According to a news report from Business Day, the Emir made this appeal in Ilorin while hosting the Ilorin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Harry Erin, and his management team during their courtesy visit to the palace. The Emir commended the agency for its service to humanity and stressed the importance of continuing their vital work.

The first class monarch, who described the work of the EFCC as “very important for nation building,” noted that the Commission deserved the support of all patriotic Nigerians for the country to redeem its image before the international community.

A statement by Dele Oyewale, head, Media & Publicity for the agency, quoted the Emir, saying, “The rate at which corruption has permeated the Nigeria system is alarming. People don't need to go to school to be taught how to commit economic and financial crimes.

“Yet, you find Nigerians especially the young ones getting involved in technically high crimes. It is bad to the extent that rich people in Nigeria today are often seen to be corrupt. This is not good for our image. We owe our nation the sacred duty of making this country free of corruption and crimes.”

While acknowledging the challenges involved in the anti-corruption fight, Emir expressed optimism that the Ilorin Zonal Command under the leadership of Erin has all it takes to succeed in crime fighting, describing him as “eminently qualified for the job.”

Earlier, Harry Erin, who described his visit to the palace as “homecoming,” commended the Emir and the entire traditional institution in the state for the support the Command had received from them in the past six years of its creation.

“Your Highness, we are here today to appreciate you for the support the Commission has received from you in the discharge of our responsibilities. We like to further seek the support of the Ilorin Emirate in ensuring that the anti-corruption message is relayed down to the grassroots. A corruption-free society will foster peace, unity, and security for all citizens,” he said.

The Zonal Director also took time to speak on the mandate of the EFCC, pointing out that “the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC has made a lot of achievements in fighting economic and financial crimes – such as money laundering, embezzlement, illegal mining, cybercrime among others as criminals are now relocating from Kwara because it is no longer business as usual.”

While urging the royal father and his subjects to always report any case of fraudulent activity that may arise in their domain to the Commission for investigation, he noted that “our royal fathers have a crucial role to play by using your good offices to champion the crusade against corruption among your subjects.”