National Commission for Almajiri Applauds Olukoyede's Leadership Openness

On Friday, June 20, 2025, Muhammad Sani Idris, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children, praised Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for his efforts in promoting transparency and inter-agency collaboration, calling it a groundbreaking development in the Commission's history.

Idris expressed his admiration during a courtesy visit to Olukoyede at the EFCC's headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, stating, "I want to begin by commending you for being so approachable to other agencies. This is a remarkable shift in the EFCC's history. Previously, when people heard someone was visiting the EFCC, there was a sense of fear, especially regarding account audits." He emphasized the challenges faced by almajiri children, revealing that his Commission advocates for over 50 million vulnerable Nigerians suffering from extreme poverty, loss of identity, and ideological exploitation. "In Maiduguri alone, we have more than 20,000 almajiri children disconnected from their families. Many were brought in at the age of three and are now 25 with no knowledge of their origins. Their mentors have passed away, leaving them without any identity. These children are susceptible to various ideologies, including those pushed by groups such as Boko Haram. Their lack of literacy in Arabic and even basic numeracy makes them easy targets," he explained. While praising the EFCC for its anti-corruption initiatives, Idris also requested assistance from the agency, particularly in providing food supplies. "If the EFCC has any surplus food items, we would greatly appreciate it, as our beneficiaries are vulnerable children in dire need of support," he stated. In response, Olukoyede expressed concern over the alarming statistics shared by Idris and assured him of the EFCC's support in any feasible capacity, particularly in initiatives aimed at tackling the underlying causes of financial and organized crime, such as a lack of formal education and crime awareness. "We are committed to collaborating with you and offering assistance in any way we can. The issue of almajiri children resonates with me personally. Many of us here owe our current positions to education. It's staggering to learn that over 50 million Nigerians are vulnerable.

That equates to one in every five Nigerians being at risk. This is a pressing issue that transcends your Commission; it affects national security and, consequently, our mission at the EFCC. However, regarding food supplies, we do not keep perishable items in stock," he said. He urged the Almajiri Commission to remain vigilant and to report any individuals or groups attempting to misappropriate the Commission's budget or engage in fraudulent procurement practices.

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