By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) as part of its inclusive strategy to combat corruption and safeguard citizens’ rights of access to essential services.
Speaking at the NNAD National Convention held in Abuja on Wednesday, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Commission’s Spokesperson and Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, said the Commission remained committed to ensuring that no Nigerian, regardless of status, class, or ability, was denied the benefits of government services.
“Part of our mandate at ICPC is to ensure that all Nigerians have access to government services. Each year, we monitor public projects to ensure they are delivered on time and according to specifications, so that no citizen is denied their rights,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
He commended NNAD’s values, which underscore the right of the deaf community and their families to access services in every aspect of life, noting that this aligns with ICPC’s mission of safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians. The ICPC Chairman further encouraged NNAD to adopt sign language in promoting the anti-corruption campaign within its communities, stressing that corruption remains one of the greatest threats to the rights of citizens.
“As we know, one of the greatest challenges to our rights is corruption. ICPC is doing its best to fight it, but it cannot do it alone. That is why we take the anti-corruption message everywhere we go,” he said.
Highlighting the Commission’s National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP), approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2020, Dr. Aliyu pointed to its relevance in advancing inclusivity. “The first two core values of NEIP Human Dignity and Voice & Participation are very apt to this gathering, as they reinforce the constitutional guarantees of non-discrimination and inclusive participation. These values align with NNAD’s mission of strengthening inclusive education and advancing communication accessibility,” he noted.
In his welcome address, the National President of NNAD, Hon. Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to reducing communication barriers and promoting equal rights for the deaf community. He called for greater adoption of Nigerian Sign Language in public institutions and among stakeholders to drive inclusivity.
The Chairman of the occasion, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, commended the resilience of the association, stressing that deaf persons deserved equal opportunities in society. He pledged his support for stronger institutional frameworks that guarantee access to government interventions for persons with disabilities.
The convention, attended by stakeholders and advocates of disability rights, underscored the shared vision of ICPC and NNAD to build a society where inclusivity and accountability go hand in hand. It also reinforced ICPC’s commitment to broad-based collaboration in the fight against corruption, while ensuring that every Nigerian including the deaf community is not left behind.
