BENIN CITY- As part of its activities to mark the 2017 ‘World Anti- Corruption Day’, the Edo state branch of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Officences Commission, ICPC, has organised a One-Day awareness and sensitisation workshop for students in tertiary institutions across the state.
The event which took place at the Imaguero College Hall in Benin City, had in attendance students from Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Institute of Management Technology, Use and the State School of Health Technology, Benin City, amongst others.
Speaking at the event, Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki commended the state ICPC Commissioner, Mr.Olukile Olusesan for organising the sensitisation programme, noting that it will further help to bringing participants into the consciousness of eradicating corruption from the society.
Mr. Obaseki stated that creating a vanguard against corruption was one of the major channels to breaking the jinx that has become the bane for growth and development in the country.
“I welcome you to Edo state, a state with zero tolerance for corruption. This administration has established a blue print for the eradication of all manners o corruption in the state.
“This programme is a strategic step to assist the state government in making the students become partners in the government drive to stamp out corruption from all segments of the population in the state.
“I believe this initiative of ICPC will go a long way to creating the much needed awareness for all, especially the students, to join in the crusade for eradicating corruption”, the governor said.
The governor who was represented by his SSA, Dr (Mr.) Doris Ayanka-Imalele disclosed that the present administration in the state has put in place initiatives to empower youths with skils towards making them self employed with the intent to dissuade poverty and crime rate.
In his brief welcome address, the Chairman, Prof. Austin Anigala, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Delta State University, Abraka, said that corruption has become a monster in the country, hence , the need for all to join in the anti corruption crusade of the ICPC.
While asserting that corrupt practices abound everywhere and in different forms, Prof. Anigala advised participants to engage themselves in nation building by kicking against corrupt practices.
On his part, the state Commissioner of ICPC, Mr. Olukile Olusesan said that the event was aimed to interact and chart a course on the way forward in the fight against corruption, stressing that the scourge abound everywhere.
He added that the programme was also part of the commission’s activities to creating awareness and sensitise the youth against corrupt practices.
Olukile commended governor Obaseki for his administration’s support towards the success of ICPC in the state, assuring the commission will not renege in its fight against corruption in the country.
In his keynote, Prof. Eddy Erhiagbe tasked the people to shun all form of corrupt practices, noting that it was disheartened that funds meant to buy arms to fight insurgency were misapprioprated by some few.
He asserted that Nigeria as a country has been battling with issues that has to do with development.
Other dignitaries at the event include Honourables Enoma Igunwe, Idada Douglas and Esohe Eguakun, amongst others.
