The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Ondo State in collaboration with Presidential Advisory Committe Against Corruption (PACAC) on Wednesday held a Stakeholders Engagement On Value Re-orientation and Fight Against Corruption.
The program had in attendance the Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Donald Ojogo, Traditional Rulers, Heads of Security formations, Top government functionaries and other Dignitaries across the State.
The Ondo State NOA Director, Mrs Adelayo Adefolalu appreciated PACAC for such a timely program and thanked dignitaries for honoring her invitation on a collective fight against corruption.
She said NOA is an advocacy organ of the Government that has been fulfilling its mandate of awareness creation for social development using community mobilization techniques.
She admonished people to shun all forms of corruption and adhere strictly to the core values of integrity, discipline, patriotism, honesty and transparency for the betterment of our dear Nation.
On his part, Professor Etannibi Alemika, a Member of PACAC stated that the quest for democracy, development, security and peace in the country will not be realized until effective mechanism for the prevention and control of corruption are institutionalized.
“Value Re-orientation and structural transformation are imperative for efficient control of corruption and the elimination of it’s several destructive social economic Consequences.”
He further enumerated the factors aiding corruption which he said are, lack of appropriate or effective legal regime, weak or corrupt law enforcement and judicial official, incentive and opportunities for corruption with insignificant risk.
He concluded by saying the fight against corruption is not for the Government alone, every citizens and social, political, religious, traditional and cultural, business and community organizations should be involved in the fight against corruption.
The Representative of the Governor, Hon Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo in a Special Remark noted that the general feeling of the masses is that corruption is a questionable acquisition of wealth.
“As public office holders, it is imperative to seek for means to eradicate corruption from the system. Thus it is important to note that, good conscience is an important factor in eradicating corruption.”
The Governor said revenue sharing formula should be implemented for state and local governments to have larger share being the closer tier of government to the people as against how it is being currently shared. The governor pointed out that imbalances among the tiers of government had contributed to the increasing level of corruption in Nigeria.
Earlier, a paper presentation on value re-orientation and fight against corruption delivered by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye emphasized that corruption is a lost of total value of the people, which could be attributed to the failure of Governance or Civilization. He stated that the problem is a collective one from home. “In the past, there is taboo which is used to instil fear in the heart of the people but today,we have decided to copy a culture that is not ours”.
HRM Oba (Dr) Julius Oluwole Adetimehin, Jimoko II (Jegun-Olu Ekun & Paramount Ruler of Ile-Oluji Kingdom) also delivered a lecture on the “Role of Citizens in the fight against Corruption”.
The monarch described corruption as an act of dishonest behavior by those in positions of power, adding that corruption is pervasive in every strata of our individual and National lives and in the public and private sectors of the economy.
Oba Julius Adetimehin emphasized on the primary and remote causes of Corruption as lack of Discipline and contentment, societal influence, pressure and misplaced values among others. He encouraged participants to follow honest,discipline path for a satisfyingly life.
His Royal Majesty Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom in his message said Traditional values and family values should be revisited. The law of the land must be from the people, and we must embrace moral rebirth.
Other top government functionaries who delivers good will messages includes, Hon Justice Adebusoye who represented the Chief Judge of the state, Dr. Abodurin the State Commandant of NSCDC, His Imperial Majesty Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Deji of Akure represented by (Aro of Akure) Senior High Chief Anthony Falowo.
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