It was a night of laurels and commendations on Saturday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rolled out the red carpet to honour its most dedicated personnel at the 2025 Recognition and Reward Ceremony.

The event, held to celebrate excellence in the line of duty, saw Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Bilkisu Buhari Bala, clinch the prestigious “Staff of the Year” award, headline a list of officers recognized for their exceptional service.

The ceremony, designed to motivate the workforce, featured a broad distribution of awards across various categories, ranging from operational efficiency to administrative excellence.

Beyond the top prize, 24 other officers were decorated as “Best Staff” in their respective departments, a gesture the Commission stated was aimed at reinforcing the culture of hard work and integrity.
The spotlight shone brightly on Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Monday Ocholi Attah, who was named Best Staff in the Office of the Executive Chairman.

In the Public Affairs Department, Chief Superintendent CSE Martha Ojochokutami Eche took home the top honour, while Assistant Superintendent ASE I Patience Saba Peter was celebrated as the Best Staff in the Finance and Accounts Department.

Other notable recipients included ASE I Yusuf Awang Mangut (Administration and Human Resources), ACE I Abiodun Adebanjo (Planning, Policy, Research, and Statistics), Inspector IE I Shehu Muhammad Auwal, and Detective Assistant DA II Zaharadeen Yakubu Adamu, who were recognized for their stellar performance in the Office of the Secretary to the Commission.

The Commission also extended its appreciation to the legal engine room of the agency, presenting special awards to prosecutors and sections that secured the highest number of convictions and financial recoveries during the 2025 operational year. Additionally, veteran officers who have served the Commission for 20 years and above were decorated with Long Service Awards for their enduring loyalty.

While presenting the awards, the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, emphasized that the gifts and recognitions were not just for job performance but for character.

He charged the recipients and the entire staff to understand that integrity remains the most valuable asset in the fight against corruption.

“Let me say for the umpteenth time that, as operatives of the EFCC, we are as strong as our integrity and as weak as our compromises,” Olukoyede stated. “Exemplary performance ought to be appreciated, and that is what we are here to do today. Integrity is the only currency of acceptance in every clime.”

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, CE Femi Peter Gbarufu, noted that the recipients were carefully selected based on commitment, diligence, perseverance, and innovation.

Olukoyede urged the awardees to view their recognition as a call to higher service, reminding them that while the rewards are well-deserved, the nation continues to look up to them as guardian angels safeguarding the economy.