The National Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to closely monitor the management of funds allocated to local government areas following the financial autonomy granted by the government.

NCYP Chairman, Isaac Abrak, made this appeal during a courtesy visit to EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the commission?s corporate headquarters.

Abrak emphasized that grassroots development remained sluggish and stressed that only prudent management of resources directed to local governments could spur growth, alleviate poverty, and improve living conditions in rural communities.

?We come from the grassroots, we know what?s going on in the local government, we thank the President for giving the local government autonomy. If the local government can achieve 40 percent of what they are supposed to do, we can record a robust development.

?That is why we came to you, we want proper monitoring of the management of resources ,we want to offer our hand of partnership so that the commonwealth sent to the grassroots is utilized?, he said.

The youth leader applauded Olukoyede on his strides as the EFCC?s boss, stressing that his performance has shown that he is living up to the demands of his faith as a Christian. ?We are proud of you. You have represented our faith in a standard manner?, he said.

He commended the professionalism and diligence of officers of the EFCC in winning the P&ID case for Nigeria in 2023 and expressed satisfaction with the record-breaking achievements of Olukoyede since he assumed duties as the EFCC?s Chairman.

Abrak decried the rising involvement of youths in internet fraud in the Northern part of Nigeria, maintaining that ?cyber crime has encroached into the North and we want the EFCC to intensify its operations in this part of the country?.

Responding, Olukoyede appreciated the group for the visit, urging members of the group to use their platforms to unite Nigerians to do what is right.

?Doing the right thing has nothing to do with whether you are a Christian or a Muslim. Let?s continue to operate as people of integrity irrespective of our faith,? he said.

He agreed with the group on the need for closer monitoring of allocations to the local government, stressing that the Commission will continue to do its job in the overall interests of the nation.

?There is need for us to monitor allocations going to the grassroots and we have started that already. We have a department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control that is closely monitoring and tracking payments, contracts and other releases to ensure that funds are expended on what they are meant for,? he said. (The Nation)