The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has been named among major actors in the development of the nation and subsequently honoured with the Heroes of Democracy Award 2026.
He was also applauded for his outstanding contribution to the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
The Award ceremony, which held in Abuja on Saturday, September 26, 2026 was organized to mark the 66th Nigeria Democracy Lecture, themed “Politics, Governance and the Impact of Leadership in Nigeria’s Democracy”.
Olukoyede who was represented by the Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, pointed out that it was significant to gather and “celebrate what truly holds Nigeria together, which is our Democracy, our culture, and our commitment to national development, because nations do not survive by laws alone but also by the example of heroes.
“Heroes are builders, they are architects of enduring designs. They are pathfinders and the truest enablers of possibilities. Today we celebrate those who fought, and those who still fight, to ensure that the voice of the people is not silenced. And that is why the fight against corruption is a fight for democracy.
“We also celebrate our culture as our identity, because our culture teaches us integrity, hard work, respect for elders, and contentment”.
Continuing he stated that “At the EFCC, our work is to protect the labour of these heroes. When we recover looted funds and channel it into the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, we are saying that the proceeds of crime must serve the future of Nigeria. When we fight cybercrime, we are saying Nigerian talent must build Nigeria, not scam the world”
The National Coordinator and Organizer of the event, Idakwo Oruma stated that the ceremony was not merely a ceremony but “an opportunity to reflect on our journey as a nation, acknowledge those who have contributed to our democratic development and national growth, and encourage the values of leadership, service, unity, sacrifice and responsible citizenship”.
He added that the Heroes Award was established to create a platform where service, sacrifice, integrity, cultural preservation, democratic values and contributions to national development can be publicly acknowledged.
Also in attendance was the Chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal, Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo, among other dignitaries.
