From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke has urged the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, AMDON, Osun State Chapter to cooperate with relevant law enforcement agencies to free the society of fraudulent activities.
This was contained in the governor’s speech, presented at the sensitisation programme organised by AMDON in collaboration with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office, held in Osogbo.
Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bunmi Jenyo described the automobile sector as a cornerstone of commerce, not only in Osun State, but Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, the association must tackle fraudulent transactions for the sake of their livelihoods and the general good of the society.
According to Adeleke, “Great economic potential comes with great responsibility. Unregulated transactions, undocumented imports and cash-based dealings in vehicle sales have, unfortunately, made this sector vulnerable to money laundering and illicit financial flows. Today’s event is not just a seminar; it is a clarion call for collective action to protect our economy and uphold the integrity of your businesses.
“Under my administration, Osun State has prioritised the fight against corruption and financial crimes. We recognise that economic and industrial growth cannot thrive in an environment riddled with fraud. That is why we are strengthening partnerships with federal agencies like the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML, EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to enforce compliance, prosecute offenders and sanitise sectors prone to exploitation.
“I want the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria to know that compliance is not optional. Register your businesses and get the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering certificate. Keep meticulous records. Report suspicious transactions. Avoid cash payments for high-value vehicles.
“These steps are not bureaucratic hurdles; they are shields to protect your livelihoods and our state’s economy. EFCC’s presence today underscores their commitment to support, not stifle legitimate enterprises. Cooperate with them and you will never be treated as adversaries. Our government will not tolerate bad actors that tarnish the reputation of hardworking motor dealers”.
He said, “We will reward compliance with incentives, but for those who persist in illegal practices be it forgery, tax evasion or money laundering the full wrath of the law will follow.
“The Osun State government under my watch has embarked on several initiatives across different sectors of the economy and has also delivered transformational infrastructure across the State. This is to boost the economy of the state and change the narrative of being a civil service state to a fully industrialised state. I want to assure you that it is always ready to support investments by providing an enabling environment for all businesses to thrive”.
Dignitaries who attended the sensitization programme include the Zonal Coordinator, SCUML, Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Mrs Toyin Ehindero-Benson, Mr Ijelikai Ahonsi (NYSC), Mr Oyeniyi Nurudeen Hamzat (Custom), representatives of the Ministry of Transport, Osun State among others.
