The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR, has called on stakeholders in Enugu to join in the implementation of the NEIP with a view to stimulating desirable behavioural change.
This call was made recently at a one-day sensitization workshop organized at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu by ICPC through the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), with support from the MacArthur Foundation on bringing about positive behavioural change in the society using the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP). Stakeholders present at the event include civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, religious leaders, youth groups, professional bodies, members of ACTUs of MDAs, the media and others.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Owasanoye noted that “the ideal behavior for citizens is that they should respect the laws of the land, keep their words, do their duty with diligence, respect and value other human beings, not get involved in stealing from the government, cheating others or any form of deception. Unfortunately, the reality is that many people are far from the ideal. Therefore, there is need to make intentional efforts to turn around negative behaviours to positive ones through the inculcation of positive values.”
The Chairman, who was represented by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Enugu State, Mr. Kennedy Ebhotemen, stressed the need to make intentional efforts to turn around negative behaviours to positive ones through the inculcation of positive values and the constant communication of NVC, NEIP and EICS initiatives of the Commission to the relevant stakeholders to get their support and help spread the information and message of behavioural change.
He further charged the stakeholders present to help in translating the 7 core values of the NEIP into anti-corruption behaviour. “This will only be effective and successful if those of you, who are the agents of change, make a commitment to the project.”
In his welcome address, the ICPC Enugu state RACC, represented by the 2nd in command, Barr. Enosa Omoghibo, stated that the workshop was conceived as an outreach platform to practically engage the major stakeholders in the fight against corruption using positive behavioural change methods.
Therefore, the Commission believes that it is only through the concerted efforts of all concerned that Nigeria can overcome the scourge called corruption.
In her goodwill message, the country director, Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC), Amb. Mrs. Amaka Nweke, explained that “behavior is about our attitude and character towards things, and negative character never make any positive impact in life or society”.
She urged the stakeholders to look inward and make a decision to stopy doing the wrong things, following the wrong paths and insist on upholding positive values.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Imam of Enugu, urged all the participants to uphold the values of the NEIP as they were in line with the values of the Holy Bible and the Holy Koran.
The workshop witnessed presentations on the Overview of ICPC Initiatives and the Context and Pillars of the NEIP.
The highlight of the workshop was a break out session during which the participants were grouped according to their interest and discussed their role and challenges to implementing the NEIP.