The Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched students’ anti corruption clubs across schools in the State of Osun in a bid to further curb corrupt practices in the society
The move which is to sensitize the young ones on the evil of corruption in the society led the anti graft agency in collaboration with the State Government of Osun to inaugurate the anti corruption club in sixty eight public and private schools on the state.
Speaking at the event the Osun Commissioner for Education, Hon. Folorunso Oladoyin while highlighting the negative effects of corruption on the society, describing it as an evil that hinders speedy development in the society.
The Commissioner who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Adelani Aderinola said there is nothing examplenary in getting involved in corrupt practices, stressing that it can also deny the student quality education.
While admonishing students against corrupt practices, the commissioner said the essence of the club is to sensitize the nation, hence starting from schools, explaining that there is the need for the students to let everyone know and participate actively in the club.
In his keynote address the Chairman, ICPC prof. Bola Owosanoye who was represented by Osun state resident anti corruption commissioner, Alh. Babaalaro Shu’aib said corruption goes beyond pecuniary issues and it is not only about collecting bribe.
He said ” section 2 of the corrupt practices and other related offences Act 2000 defines corruption as anything that include fraud, gratification and other related offences and any act that snacks of lack of integrity can qualify as other related offence and can be punished under the ICPC act 2000 and any other law that seeks to prevent corruption.”
He identified building institutional capacity and reinvigorating positive values among youths as one of the surest way to prevent corruption in the society, noting preventing it at an early stage is always the best.
He described youths anywhere in the world as the backbone of national development because they posses energy, talent and valor which if properly galvanised and channaled could lead to positive national transformation, growth and development.
While emphasing on the efforts of the commission to prevent corruption, Prof. Owasanoye said ” the commission have been able to rejuvenate the nation’s positive values, followed up on the formation of clubs with the introduction of the national values Curriculum (NVC) in conjunction with the Nigeria Education Research and development council (NERDC)”
While appreciating the state government of Osun and the Ministry of Education for their collaboration with ICPC, he appealed to all stakeholders especially the institution of learning and regulatory ministries, departments and agencies to support in the implementation of re orientation values towards preventing corruption for the positive transformation of the nation.
