By Grace Abidoye, Nafisat Abdulrahman
The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has organized a one-day sensitization workshop for the Directorate staff cadre and Divisional heads of the Council.
The workshop, themed “Managing with Transparency,” focused on equipping senior officers with the knowledge and strategies needed to prevent corruption and promote ethical practices within the organization.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC Prof. Nnanyeluogo Martins Ike-Muonso who was represented by the Director Chemical and Pharmaceutical Department and Chairman ACTU RMRDC Mr. Abubakar Kolere in his opening address said the event is important and comes at the right time, as Nigeria is going through a crucial stage of development, with the government working hard to boost the economy “by paying utmost attention to fight against corruption, respect for the rule of law, job creation, war against hunger and poverty, access to capital for small and large businesses as well as inclusiveness”.
He further noted that the Development and implementation of. anti-corruption strategies, is a means of making people see the openness and honesty from public officials in order to maintain faith and trust in government of the day”.
You Might AlsoLike
The DG highlighted the importance of the establishment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in MDAs, describing it as “a step in the right direction necessary for combating this evil and daunting menace in the society”
He commended the ICPC for their commitment, determination and honoring the invitation to the sensitization program while assuring that the Council’s ACTU “will certainly deliver on its set goals and objectives as it will serve as a catalyst towards actualizing the dreams and aspirations of present government’s strategies on fight against corruption in the country”.
Officials from the ICPC delivered two insightful paper presentations, highlighting what constitutes corruption, ways to prevent corrupt practices, and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of accountability. The presentations also underscored the legal implications of unethical conduct and the need for strict adherence to due process in all administrative and financial dealings.
Earlier, the Deputy Director Food and Beverages Division Mr. Muhammad Sheriff Musa thanked the DG for accepting to embark on the exercise describing the presentation as an enlightenment for everyone to take a step back, redirect their thoughts and guide them towards doing the right thing. “the function of the committee is not to witch-hunt the management; our purpose and existence is for us to discuss issues that affect us Raw Materials Research and Development Council “.
The Director Anti-Corruption Academy (ACA) ICPC Mr. Clement Olaniyi explained that corruption is not only about money, he used corruption in employment processes, promotion as well as discipline of staff as examples. He noted that “as long as we are humanbeings corruption is not easy to eradicate, but can only be minimize because by their nature they have the tendency to be corrupt. The only thing that helps the society is trying to reduce cub it to the barest minimum” he said.
Mr. Olaniyi emphasized that corruption and dishonest practices come at a great cost to everyone. He stressed that while the gains may seem immediate, the long-term consequences affect us all. “When we fight corruption, we make the society better for all of us. If you see something, you say something” he emphasized.
The workshop concluded with an interactive session where participants discussed practical approaches to strengthening internal controls and mitigating risks associated with corruption.
