Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Olanipekun Olukayode has said that Citizen participation and ownership are vital components in the fight against corruption in Nigeria and Commended initiatives targeted at promoting citizen engagement and awareness about corruption and its effects on the national economy and international image.
Olukayode who was represented by the head creative communication on Financial Crime, EFCC, Mr Chris Oluka said during the 9th Annual conference on financial crime, Cross Border crime and governance integrity organised by Open Africa Foundation in partnership with forensic insight international limited that Empowering people is crucial to create a world of greater social justice.
” However, poverty has made many citizens cynical, and they don’t see the impact of anti-corruption efforts. Nigeria needs systemic control, like other countries, where accountability and transparency are paramount. Public engagement and sensitization are key to fighting corruption”.
The EFCC Chairman expressed gratitude to Open African Foundation, Forestic Insight International Limited, and Summit Leadership Institute for hosting this conference. “The event promotes anti-corruption awareness among the public and secondary school students, fostering a culture of integrity”.
Speaking, the Chairman Open Africa Foundation, Mr Tunji Aworinde said fighting corruption requires collective effort and citizen participation. We must look beyond ethnicity and religion, prioritize accountability, and demand transparency.
He noted that the issue of corruption is a complex and deeply ingrained problem that affects many aspects of society, including governance, economy, and individual lives. It’s disturbing to see how poverty is often weaponized to maintain the status quo and keep people in a vulnerable position.
Tunji explained, “To create lasting change, it’s essential to address the root causes of corruption and promote transparency, accountability, and civic engagement.
“we need men and women who will stand up, ask questions, and demand answers. We’re here to encourage individuals to be the conscience of our nation, Nigeria. Restoring our nation requires integrity, which begins at home. Parents must model integrity for their children. ”
“Unfortunately, Nigeria faces daunting challenges: poverty, out-of-school children, and inadequate electricity. How did we get here? We lost our way due to lack of integrity, transparency, and accountability. ”
“You can’t give what you don’t have. Parents must have integrity to pass it on to their children. Every parent wants the best for their children, but being the best isn’t just about money. It’s about integrity, conscience, asking questions, and demanding answers, he said.
In addition, Reverend Father Atabar Kindo of Kuka Centre noted that Nigeria’s struggle with financial crimes and corruption demands a collective shift in values, starting from families, schools, and institutions. He emphasizes the importance of education and sensitization programs, discipline, and values-based upbringing for children.
Overall, fighting corruption requires a multifaceted approach that involves citizens, leaders, and institutions working together to promote integrity, accountability, and transparency.
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