Staff and management of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, November 25, 2023 celebrated the retirement of a former Director of Legal and Prosecution, Chile Okoroma, SAN, who served meritoriously and attained the peak of his career in public service.
The colourful send- forth event took place at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Jabi Abuja.
Speaking at the occasion, Secretary to the Commission, Muhammad Hammajoda described Okoroma as a staff who would be sorely missed for his wealth of experience. “I would like to appreciate our good brother, who is leaving us temporarily. He is still very active and strong, so we will continue to tap from his wealth of experience. We acknowledge his contributions to the Commission and we will surely call him when we need him. I wish him best of luck in his future endeavours,” he said.
Director of Operations, Abdulkarim Chukkol described Okoroma as a great leader who laid a strong foundation for the Commission, noting that he made immense contributions towards the height the EFCC has attained presently. “You are someone we have learnt quite a lot from and we will always look up to you for advice and opinions because experience is not something you can buy. It is what stands you out. You have served the Commission and the nation well and we will always remember you for that”, he said.
In his response, Okoroma recounted his beautiful years in the Commission and gave gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve. “When we started, there was so much drive and desire to fight corruption. As a pioneer staff, you have to make sacrifices for those who are coming. The benefits may not be immediate but you can look back and say thank God people are benefiting from what we did. We started everything you are seeing today from a small office and I contributed to what the Commission is and the Commission also contributed to what I am today”, he said.
Continuing, Okoroma said his recent elevation to the elite rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, was made possible by the opportunity to work in the EFCC. “My life has been tied around the EFCC, especially the Legal Department. It is good to have served in many capacities and departments. My heart will always be here,” he said.
Okoroma was on Monday, November 27 conferred with the prestigious honour of SAN at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He also served variously as Director of Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics as well as Director of Forensics and Laboratory.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
November 28, 2023.
