The Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Bayo Onanuga, has expressed the readiness of the agency to further support the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its fight against corruption.

Speaking during a courtesy visit on the acting chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, Onanuga stated that the agency would do much more than it had done in the past years to proclaim the Commission’s activities.

According to him, ‘‘The News Agency of Nigeria will continue to disseminate information about the activities of the EFCC.’’

Responding, Magu, who expressed his appreciation for the visit, stated that the media was crucial to creating awareness on the evil of corruption.

He said: “The work we do cannot be done alone; everyone is a stakeholder, irrespective of age. We cannot claim to have monopoly of knowledge and that is why we try to get relationships with all stakeholders. Without the media, the fight against corruption cannot be won.’’

 Magu further added that he welcomed criticism that could enable the Commission achieve its statutory objectives.

“We are working for a better tomorrow and the unborn generation, and everybody must be on board to fight corruption so that we can secure the future,’’ Magu said.

He said that though the commission was resolute in its crusade against corruption in the country, it would need the cooperation of the media to succeed.

He said that the commission was ready to partner NAN for the dissemination of information on corruption and assured that it would be a synergy that would not be abused.

Magu expressed optimism that with NAN, being the leading news agency in Africa, EFCC’s activities would be well reported.

He stressed that the commission needed the services of NAN in the nation`s interest as the agency had the capacity to reach the world.

He said that the commission was presently working on the possibility of collaborating with necessary stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

According to Magu, the commission is looking at the possibility of exploiting radio to reach out to those in the grassroots who could not afford newspapers.

He, however, said that the commission was open to constructive criticism.

Earlier, Onanuga had said that the visit of the NAN team was to renew the existing relationship between the agency and the commission.

“We are here to renew the existing relationship between us and to tell you that we are poised to work with you.

“We are children of the same parents and should be working together; we are here at your service,’’ Onanuga said.

He stated that as an individual, he had had a cordial relationship with the commission since its inception.

He pointed out that corruption was a fundamental challenge in the country, which had hindered its development and should be tackled head-on.

Onanuga, therefore, urged the commission to continue in its fight against the menace and not to be deterred by criticism.

He commended the commission`s management for its achievements so far, saying “you are remarkably well“.

The NAN boss acknowledged that the commission had won many corruption cases in the court, a development he attributed to the calibre of its personnel.

He added that the commission had brought many corrupt public officials, including military personnel, to book, adding that such development was inconceivable in the past. (NAN)