The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has partnered the Youth Opportunity Forum 2024 to drive the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) with the objective of reshaping the mindset of Nigerian youth through the promotion of the Policy’s core values, that are Human Dignity, Voice and Participation, Patriotism, Personal Responsibility, Integrity, National Unity and Professionalism.
The Civil Society Organisation, Inspire for Impact Initiative, which organised the Youth Summit recently at the Convocation Arena of Bayero University Kano with the aim of deepening youth’s mass mobilisation for transformative change, attracted the participation from 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Federal Executive Council, at its 20th meeting of 2020 and in consideration of the Memorandum EC (2020) 146; as requested by the ICPC, approved the National Ethics and Integrity Policy for the good and ethical conduct of the Nigerian citizenry.
In his remarks during the Summit, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of Kano state, Barrister Ibrahim Garba Kagara, stated that the necessity of strengthening moral values in Nigeria compelled the Commission in National Ethics & Integrity Policymaking to address unethical behaviours and the infamy it has brought against the country and its citizenry.
ICPC Chairman further stated that “National Ethics is a set of ethical principles that direct a nation and for compliance towards the attainment of a positive national value-system. Also, integrity policy is a plan of action that exerts quality of honesty and the pursuit of strong moral values. The virtue of integrity is the most important change that holds promise for a brighter future of our great country”.
During her opening speech, the Founder & Executive Director of Inspire for Impact Initiative, Mrs. Hauwa Liman, stated that the Summit aspired to be a catalyst for transformative change, bringing about positive outcomes capable of reshaping of the Northern Nigerian youth, students, entrepreneurs and social workers to drive the change.
While making his address, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, stressed that the youths were the future of Nigeria, thus required optimal educational supports of government at all levels, adding that his emirate would continue to do all things necessary in putting the youth first. The Executive Governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf through the Commissioner of Higher Education, expressed his willingness to continue to support youth development in the state.
ICPC Exhibition stand at the Youth Summit event showcased and distributed numerous IEC publications and tutored participants on anti-corruption and other integrity thematic contents.