Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to embrace integrity and strive to contribute positively to the nation's development through entrepreneurship, as he addressed the graduating class of the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association, NAOWA, College in Abuja. Olukoyede gave the charge on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the prize-giving day and graduation ceremony of the NAOWA College, Asokoro, Abuja, where he was represented by the Head of the Commission's Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 11 Aisha Muhammed.
Speaking on the topic, "The Journey Continues: Building a Legacy of Excellence," Olukoyede reminded the students that graduation was only the beginning of a new chapter in their lives filled with opportunities, responsibilities and possibilities. He emphasised that as future leaders, students should strive to be agents of positive change and build a legacy that will reflect the values they have learned in school. "As we gather to recognize outstanding achievements and reward excellence, we must remember that true success extends beyond certificates, prizes, and academic distinctions. While these accomplishments are commendable, the real measure of success lies in the character we build, the values we uphold, the positive impact we make on others and the need to be people of integrity," he said.
The EFCC Chairman further called on the students to achieve success through integrity, discipline, perseverance and a willingness to learn and improve. "Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous pursuit. It is reflected in our commitment to doing our best, even when no one is watching. It is demonstrated through integrity, discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and improve. Excellence is not about being perfect; it is about striving every day to become a better version of ourselves," Olukoyede stated. He stressed that the knowledge and skills the students had acquired must now be applied in the wider world, encouraging them to see education as a foundation for lifelong growth rather than a final destination.
Addressing the graduating students directly, Olukoyede said: "To the graduating students, today marks the culmination of years of learning, growth, and determination. Along the way, you have faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and acquired knowledge that will serve as a foundation for your future endeavours. You should be proud of what you have accomplished. However, it is important to understand that your journey does not end here. The knowledge and skills you have gained must now be applied in the wider world." He noted that students should be ready to take on the responsibilities of nation-building and contribute meaningfully to the country's development, particularly through entrepreneurship, which he identified as a viable path for economic empowerment.
Olukoyede's message aligns with the EFCC's broader mandate of promoting integrity and accountability across all sectors of Nigerian society. The Commission has consistently emphasised the importance of ethical conduct in curbing corruption and financial crimes, and the Chairman's address to the students reflects the agency's commitment to reaching young Nigerians early in their development. By encouraging students to pursue entrepreneurship, Olukoyede also highlighted the need for self-reliance and innovation in a country where formal employment opportunities remain limited. His call for students to become "agents of positive change" underscores the belief that Nigeria's future depends on the character and actions of its youth.
In her welcome address, the NAOWA College Director, Major F.E. Eneche, noted that the graduation of the students would not have been possible without the commitment, vision, and support of the school management, parents and other stakeholders. "This journey would not have been possible without the commitment, vision, support and dedication of our leadership. To our prize winners, congratulations on your hard work, consistency and dedication. May this award inspire you to aim even higher, we are proud of you, we equally wish you continued success in all your endeavours," she said. Major Eneche's remarks underscored the collaborative effort required to nurture young minds and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of adult life.
In her farewell address, the NAOWA President, who was represented by the Head of the Education Committee of the School, Mrs Jenny Gbileka, urged the students to always strive for excellence. "Today's graduation is a celebration of excellence, dedication and achievement. It is a day to recognize and award students who have carved a niche for themselves in academics. I encourage you to strive hard to achieve excellence. Success is a journey, not a destination, every individual must pass through the hurdles. Continue to strive hard until you achieve success. I urge you to practice resilience, confidence, embrace integrity and determination to succeed," she said. The NAOWA President's message reinforced the themes of resilience and determination, echoing Olukoyede's call for students to pursue excellence with unwavering commitment.
The NAOWA College graduation ceremony was a celebration of academic achievement, with students receiving awards for excellence across various subjects and activities. The event also highlighted the importance of character development alongside academic success, a message that was central to the speeches delivered by both Olukoyede and the NAOWA leadership. The partnership between the EFCC and educational institutions like NAOWA College reflects a growing recognition that the fight against corruption must begin with the cultivation of integrity in young people, who will ultimately inherit the responsibility of leading Nigeria into the future.
Olukoyede's address at the NAOWA College graduation is part of the EFCC's ongoing public enlightenment and reorientation efforts, aimed at promoting ethical values and discouraging financial crimes among Nigerians. The Commission has intensified its outreach to schools and youth organisations, recognising that building a culture of integrity requires engaging young people before they enter the workforce or assume positions of responsibility. By encouraging students to embrace entrepreneurship and integrity, the EFCC is also promoting economic self-sufficiency, which can reduce the incentive to engage in fraudulent activities.
The event concluded with the presentation of prizes to outstanding students and the formal graduation of the class of 2026. As the students prepared to embark on the next phase of their lives, they carried with them not only academic certificates but also the powerful message that integrity, hard work and entrepreneurship are the keys to building a legacy of excellence. The NAOWA College, known for its commitment to academic excellence and character formation, has once again demonstrated its dedication to producing well-rounded graduates equipped to contribute positively to Nigerian society. For the students of NAOWA College, the journey may have begun with their graduation, but the lessons of integrity, resilience and determination will guide them for years to come.
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