The Accountability Lab Nigeria, has honoured exemplary Nigerians who have demonstrated integrity and ethical leadership in public service.
At the 8th Integrity Icon Summit and Awards Ceremony which held in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Mr Friday Odeh, emphasised the role of integrity in effective governance.
“It is a pleasure to have sustained this initiative for the past seven years, recognising and celebrating honest government officials.
“While the journey has been challenging, we remain committed to making governance work for the people through creative and engaging initiatives.
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“In today’s Nigeria, it is sometimes hard to see the positives across ministries, departments, and agencies, but efforts like this bring hope,” he said.
In his keynote address, Dr Otive Igbuzor noted the erosion of trust in governance caused by unethical practices, saying rebuilding trust requires embedding ethical norms into governance systems.
“Restoring trust demands the promotion of positive behaviours and integrity within governance structures,” he said.
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu, praised the Accountability Lab’s efforts and reaffirmed the commission’s partnership to strengthen transparency and accountability.
Represented by Mr John Ode, Adamu noted that the rigorous process of identifying integrity icons aligns with the ICPC’s mission to promote accountability in public service.
Also, Mrs Gloria Omene, representing the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), applauded the initiative for inspiring hope and fostering integrity in governance.
“Public service is central to Nigeria’s transformation agenda. Promoting integrity in service delivery is essential to achieving this goal,” she said.
Omene urged the awardees to continue setting a positive example.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Ben Igweh, reaffirmed the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to combating corruption under the leadership of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun.
He pledged the force’s dedication to restoring integrity within its ranks.
The event, organised in partnership with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, concluded with the presentation of Integrity Icon Awards to five outstanding public servants.
They are; Insp. Kamoshi Tadah from Fagge Police Station Kano, Mr Olugbenga Kuye from Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Mr Idowu Quadri from Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Lagos state.
Others are; Mr Ezekiel Osemuahu from Edo state Public Procurement Agency and Mrs Temitope Ojoge from Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Ondo state. (NAN)
