By Ibironke Ariyo
An NGO, Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation, has called for collective and sustained efforts at tackling corruption, as the world marks International Anti-Corruption Day.
Founder and Executive Director of the foundation, Dr Yusuf Suberu, made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Anti-Corruption Day is marked annually on Dec. 9 to raise awareness on the negative impacts of corruption on societies and economies.
NAN also reports that the day was established by United Nations General Assembly in 2003 and it is observed by countries all over the world.
The theme of this year’s event is: “United Against Corruption for a Brighter Future.”
Suberu said that corruption remained a major obstacle to development and good governance in Nigeria which required the collaboration of all stakeholders to combat.
According to him, corruption has far-reaching consequences, including undermining trust in institutions, distorting markets and depriving citizens of essential public services.
“Corruption is a complex and multi-faceted problem that requires collective and sustained efforts to tackle.
“It is a problem that affects us all, and it requires the collaboration of all stakeholders, including government, civil society and the private sector,” he stated.
Suberu said that his foundation had been working to promote transparency and accountability in governance and support efforts toward preventing and combating corruption.
He said that the foundation had also been engaging with stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs) and community groups.
These, he said, were aimed at promoting anti-corruption initiatives and supporting efforts to strengthen institutions and promote good governance.
Suberu called on Nigerians to join hands in the fight against corruption and demand accountability from their leaders.
“We must all work together to create a culture of transparency and accountability in our country.
“We must demand that our leaders are accountable to us and that they use public resources for the public good,” he stated.
Suberu emphasised the need for Nigerians to report cases of corruption to relevant authorities and support efforts to strengthen institutions and promote good governance.
He commended the Federal Government for its efforts at combating corruption, with the help of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
