The Executive Secretary/CEO, National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) Tosin Adeyanju has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) assisted in recovering debts owed to the Fund to the tune of over N9 billion.
Describing the recovery as “a big feat” he stated that it has ensured that the Fund played its role in assisting the federal government deliver on its promises of provision of social and physical infrastructure across the country.
“I want to thank the EFCC Chairman for the excellent outcome of our collaboration on the recovery of outstanding lottery liabilities to the federal government which has led to significant improvement of remittances by lottery operators to the Trust Fund. I must commend and thank you for providing leadership and recovering over N9 billion for the National Lottery Trust Fund.
“This is a big feat for us. This has ensured that the Trust Fund played its role in the fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in spreading good causes across the country.”
The NLTF boss further commended Olukoyede for the results achieved in the anti-corruption fight so far.
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“I am aware that you have recovered over N200 billion and over $58 million of looted funds within the period.”
He appealed to the Commission to sustain its recovery efforts of lottery proceeds shortfalls noting that the interventions of NLTF in different areas of need in the country can only be sustained when operators and stakeholders in the industry remit what is due to the government.
Olukoyede in his response noted that though Adeyanju was new on the saddle, he had shown early signs of focus and determination to thread the path of probity.
Olukoyede admonished Adeyanju that being in a position of trust he should be mindful of the legacy that he would leave behind at the end of his tenure.
“I want to advise you to be careful in the application of the funds available to you. Like they say in Nigeria’s local parlance ‘shine your eye.’ Don’t put your signature on what you are not sure of. Read every memo that comes to you and make sure that your people on the field monitor the execution of the projects that you are allocating money for. Be guided by your conscience. Always do what is right. We are here today but we are not going to be here forever. A day will come when we will be called to account for our deeds in office, so let that guide your disposition to work. I say the same thing to members of your team.”
The Chairman who assured the delegation of enhanced EFCC collaboration in the area of debt recovery, stated that it was a statutory obligation of the Commission to do so.