Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged accountants nationwide to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and adhere to financial regulations.

Speaking at the 29th Annual National Conference of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Olukoyede — represented by the EFCC’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Ahmed Pate — emphasized that accountants often played a critical role in enabling fraud in the public sector.

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In a statement issued by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Olukoyede called on ANAN to revoke the licenses of members found guilty of fraudulent activities.

He expressed a desire for a more responsible and effective accounting profession that would gain the public’s trust and encouraged ANAN to enforce strict professional standards among its members.

He said, “Indeed, there is hardly any public sector fraud that is possible without the complicity of an accountant. Whether it is embezzlement, procurement fraud, payroll fraud or pension fraud, the enablers are often accountants.

“Two former Accountant Generals of the Federation were investigated and indicted for fraud by the Commission. Without prejudice to ongoing prosecution in court, one of them, a Fellow of ANAN, placed pecuniary interests above professional and national interest in fiddling with the national till.”

In a significant gesture of support, the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has pledged N500 million to aid victims of the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri, Borno State.

This commitment was announced during a visit aimed at offering solidarity to the affected region, which has seen over two million residents impacted by the disaster.

Representing the First Lady during the visit was Nana Kashim Shettima, the Vice President’s wife.

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The delegation also included the wives of prominent political figures such as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Senate President, and the governors of Lagos and Yobe states, as well as other high-ranking officials.

The visit began with a respectful call to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, where the delegation conveyed their condolences over the flood’s damage.

The team then proceeded to the Government House, where they were welcomed by the Borno State governor, National Assembly members, the Speaker of the state assembly, and other key state officials.

In her address, Nana Shettima highlighted the remarkable resilience of Governor Zulum amidst the crisis.

She extended heartfelt sympathy to both the state government and its residents, before announcing the substantial donation of N500 million to support flood relief efforts.

The Lagos State Government has initiated swift action to prevent a looming disaster at Mopol 20 Barracks, Onigbongbo, Ikeja, where an imminent building collapse has been identified.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) is set to conduct an emergency evacuation of residents from the old block 3 of the barracks, following concerns over the building’s structural integrity.

LASEMA, in a statement on Wednesday, revealed that its assessment of the old block 3 section of the barracks showed the building had fallen into a critical state of disrepair.

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Permanent Secretary Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that not only will the affected block be evacuated, but neighboring structures will also be cleared to avert any possible casualties.

Under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu’s administration, this rapid response is seen as a proactive measure aimed at avoiding the tragic consequences of past building collapses in Lagos.

LASEMA has dispatched a team to oversee the safe and orderly evacuation, followed by a controlled demolition of the unsafe structure.Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents and the public to remain calm, reassuring them that the situation is under control.

He also warned against the spread of misinformation on social media, which could cause unnecessary panic.

This development comes amid broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to renovate several police barracks in Lagos, in collaboration with the state government.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had previously confirmed plans for the comprehensive overhaul of police residential facilities, including Mopol 20 Barracks, as part of efforts to improve living conditions for officers.