By Rita Iliya

Minna, Sept. 13, 2022

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has solicited stakeholders’ support in the fight against corruption in the country.

Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman of the Commission, made the call at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement in Minna on Tuesday.

The theme of the event is: “Driving Behavioural Change through National Ethics and Integrity Policy, Constituency Executive Projects Tracking Initiative for National Development”.

Represented by Dr Abdullah Sai’du, ICPC Board member representing North Central Zone, Owasanoye said the dialogue was to sensitise traditional and religious leaders as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

According to him, the enlightenment will also help to rejuvenate Nigeria’s lost core values of honesty and integrity among the people.

He said the stakeholders’ opinion would create awareness among people in the reorientation of moral values as a vital tool to fight corruption.

“As character moulders and champions of integrity and national development, traditional and religious leaders as well as CSOs play crucial roles in the development of our communities.

“You are to return to your various communities to help teach moral values and discipline so as to bring corruption to the barest minimum,” he said.

The ICPC boss described traditional and religious leaders as people whose opinions were respected by their subjects and urged them to help in initiating and sustaining behavioural change in the society.

He noted that corruption was linked to some vices such as lack of home training, morals and discipline.

“Therefore, only traditional and religious leaders close to the people at the grassroots can assist in making sure Nigerians operate and uphold core values to reduce corruption,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr. Zayanna Dan-Musa, ICPC’s Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in Niger, said the programme was aimed at instituting behavioural change and socio-economic rebirth in the society.

Dan-Musa said the role of the stakeholders was key in driving behavioural change and good governance hence the need for their support to fight corruption.

For his part, Alhaji Yahaya Gbongbo, Acting Director, NOA, said stakeholders contribution is imperative towards revitalising core values such as integrity, patriotism and self-reliance people to achieve national development.

In their separate remarks, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) promised to sensitise their members against corruption, and work to promote unity and religious tolerance.