The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, rolled out accolades in honour of Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Ifehinwa Ephraim Ajaja, as he ceremoniously bowed out of service after decades of meritorious and selfless dedication.
The event, held at the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, was a blend of emotions and celebration as officers and staff gathered to pay tributes to an officer widely regarded as a mentor and the longest serving professional staff of the Directorate.
In a series of farewell messages, colleagues described Ajaja as a man of empathy and integrity, with a rare level of emotional intelligence. He was praised as a father figure, tutor, and mentor, who consistently placed the health and safety of staff and suspects as his top priority. Senior officers highlighted his distinct approach to situation management, describing him as a professional of uncommon discipline and compassion.
Delivering his farewell remarks, the Acting Zonal Director, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, ACE I Hassan Saidu, lauded Ajaja’s impeccable qualities. He noted that within the short period of working with him, Ajaja demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and selflessness in the discharge of his duties. He urged officers and staff to emulate his example, stressing that “nature always has a way of rewarding good deeds.” Saidu added that Ajaja’s retirement would create a void that will be deeply felt in the Directorate, even as he wished him peace, good health, and fulfilment in his retirement.
In response, Ajaja expressed profound gratitude to the Acting Zonal Director and the entire staff of the Directorate for their cooperation and support throughout his years of service. He reaffirmed his confidence in the structure he put in place in the medical unit and in those he handed over to, adding that it had been a great privilege to work alongside dedicated colleagues and to contribute to the Commission’s numerous success stories.
Reflecting on his career, he identified his greatest personal achievement as the fact that “under my watch as the Head Medical since I came in, no suspect died in the cell”. He urged staff to remain committed to excellence, continue to give their best in the discharge of their duties, and uphold the flag of the Commission with pride.
Fondly referred to as “Dr. Ajaja,” he was the pioneer staff and Head of the Medical Unit of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate. He spearheaded the installation of all medical facilities and equipment supplied to the clinic, thereby laying the foundation for medical services in the Directorate. He also attended to the health needs of staff and suspects for several years with no single record of misconduct. colleagues in the Directorate said that “his exemplary service to the Commission is deeply appreciated, and his absence will be gravely felt by the entire EFCC”.
