By Olawale Olalekan
Prof. John Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director (CMD),Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), has said that corruption must be fought to a stand still for the country to move forward.
Okeniyi made the statement at the event organized by ICPC in collaboration with Anti-corruption and transparency unit (ACTU) of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.
The CMD said that all forms of corruption must be stopped through the collective efforts of all Nigerians.
Also, Dr Musa Aliyu , the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices And other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), urged Nigerians to join the commission in the fight against corruption in the country.
Aliyu said that collective efforts could create a nation where transparency, accountability were prioritised and which could lead to sustainable development and a better quality of life for all citizens.
Aliyu who spoke on the theme ” Uniting With Youth Against Corruption Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.
Represented by Mr Hafeez Hassan, the Osun ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Aliyu said that corruption was undermining the societal progress and must be tamed.
According to him, corruption is affecting economic development, good governance and also hindering the realisation of collective aspirations.
Aliyu, however, said that the youths had indispensable roles in driving the needed change , promoting transparency and building a future deeply rooted in integrity.
He urged Nigerian youths to utilise their immense abilities to tackle the menace and build a corrupt-free nation, with their energy, creativity, innovative, mindset and idea.
“Young people can disrupt the norm and advocate for transparency and accountability, especially from public and government officials.
“By fostering a culture of integrity and actively participating in governance, the youth can pave the way for a brighter future where ethical practices prevails and corruption is longer tolerated.
“Youth must make a united stance in their commitment to eradicating corruption and building a nation that thrive on ethical values and principles”, he said.
Aliyu said that a corrupt-free nation would be of great benefits to the citizens.
In the same vein, the State Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, commended ICPC on their efforts in the fight against corruption in the country.
Represented Justice Yinka Afolabi, a judge in the state, Adepele-Ojo urged the youths to be faithful to whatever they lay their hands upon and say no to corruption.
Also, the Chairman of anti-corruption Unit, OAUTHC, Prof Ibrahim Bello, who gave sensitisation lecture, urged Nigerians to kick against corruption in Ministries, Department and Agencies of government.
