By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on stakeholders across sectors to reaffirm their commitment to building a corruption-free society anchored on transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. The Commission also received widespread commendations from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for its consistent partnership and support in promoting integrity and good governance in Nigeria.
This came to the fore at the National Integrity Summit organised by the Committed Advocates of Integrity Initiative (CADII), a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the ICPC. The event, themed “Integrity is Everything: Building Ethical Leaders for a Sustainable Future,” held on Wednesday at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, and drew participants from CSOs, NGOs, and other governance stakeholders.
According to a statement signed by the ICPC Director of Public Enlightenment and Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, was represented at the event by Mr. Kingsley Obi, a Deputy Director at the ICPC.
Delivering the Commission’s message, Dr. Aliyu urged participants to renew their commitment to ethical leadership and public accountability. “As we gather to discuss the importance of ethical leadership, let us strive to reaffirm our commitment to building a corruption-free society where leaders prioritize the well-being of citizens and the nation,” he said.
He described the theme of the summit as one that resonates strongly with the ICPC’s mandate of promoting good governance, enhancing public trust, and ensuring transparency and integrity in public service. He explained that the Commission continues to play a crucial role in holding public officials accountable by investigating corruption, recovering stolen assets, and ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Dr. Aliyu further highlighted the Commission’s ongoing collaboration with NGOs and CSOs nationwide, which he said has significantly contributed to promoting a culture of integrity in governance. “Over the years, we have partnered with NGOs, CSOs, and other stakeholders to inculcate, to a large extent, a culture of integrity and accountability in public service. Through initiatives such as the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) and the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC), a platform for collaboration with civil society, we have been able to improve service delivery and enhance democratic dividends,” he stated.
Commending the organisers and partners, the ICPC Chairman lauded CADII and others for their sustained commitment to promoting ethical leadership and integrity in public life. “I commend the Committed Advocates of Integrity Initiative (CADII) and co-partners of this summit for their tireless efforts in promoting a new generation of ethically conscious leaders and advancing sustainable integrity. Your dedication to building a culture of integrity is essential in the fight against corruption and in fostering more trustworthy and responsible leadership,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Convener of the summit, Comrade Charles Agubor, urged participants to lead by example and embody the values of selflessness and integrity in their personal and professional conduct. “Let your character and actions speak louder than your words. Let your service to humanity reflect selflessness, and your ambition be guided by moral principles. The future of our nation rests on the shoulders of young leaders like you, and it is your integrity that will determine how far Nigeria will go,” he said.
Agubor expressed gratitude to the ICPC and other partners for their consistent support, describing the collaboration as instrumental to the growth and sustainability of the initiative. “Today’s success is a testimony of collective effort, unwavering faith, and consistent support. We deeply appreciate the ICPC for its collaboration, encouragement, and institutional backing over the years,” he stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Daniel Omofoman, Executive Director of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, described the ICPC as a critical stakeholder in strengthening electoral integrity, commending the Commission’s collaborative approach. Similarly, Chief Dominic Ogakwu, President of the Civil Society Group for Good Governance (CSGGG), applauded the ICPC for its openness to partnership and the promptness with which it supports anti-corruption initiatives from civil society groups.
The summit concluded with a joint call from participants for sustained partnership, value-based leadership, and public accountability as necessary foundations for building a just, transparent, and prosperous Nigeria.
