Why government officials, political appointees must join anti-corruption fight – EFCC

Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC), Ibrahim Magu on Monday called on government officials and
political appointees to join the on-going anti-corruption fight of
the Federal Government.

Magu made the call at the induction programme for governing
board members of Federal Government’s agencies, organised by the
Bureau for Public Service Reforms in Abuja.

According to him, public service exists solely to serve the
interest of the Nigerian public and the agency will not condone
corruption at any level of government.

He said that the culture of deep-rooted economic and financial
crimes in the public service was one of the most fundamental
problems facing the Nigeria nation.

“Crimes have negative impacts on economic development, increase
social inequality and aggravate political instability; the mandate
of our commission to fight economic and financial crimes has become
urgent and critical.

“EFCC cannot fight corruption alone; Nigerians need to join us
in this war in the interest of our collective survival.

“We call on officials and employees of all government agencies
to support our efforts and stay away from committing economic and
financial crimes,’’ he said.

Mr Emmanuel Adesoye, Chairman, Governing Board, Nigeria Port
Authority (NPA) said that the public service was designed to
implement policies and programmes of government.

According to him, boards and governing councils of Federal
Government agencies and parastatals are expected to play critical
roles in overcoming Nigeria’s development and infrastructure
challenges.

He outlined roles of the governing boards to include supervision
and support, financial responsibility for the organisation,
monitoring the quality of service delivery among others.

He said that public trust should guide the board’s endeavours
and lead their respective agencies in a manner that was effective
and responsible.

“As board members and Chief Executive Officers you have a
responsibility to provide the kind of leadership that your agencies
need to thrive.

“You are strategically placed to support and uphold the mission
and the vision of your organisation,’’ he said.

Aisha Buhari Pledges to do more as ‘Future Assured’ clocks 3

Wife of the President, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has
pledged to continue championing the cause of women and children.
She made the pledge during an event to mark the 3rd anniversary of
the Future Assured Programme at the Banquet Hall of the State House
on Saturday 27th October, 2018.

Mrs. Buhari was happy that the programme has made such giant
strides in such a short time, and thanked partners that have made
it possible.

She spoke of the programme’s engagement in addressing the
deteriorating health status of women, youth and children, working
to reduce the rate of maternal, neonatal and child mortality. She
quoted nutrition, lack of health education, lack of clean drinking
water and poverty as the culprits; leading the programme to provide
clean drinking water, nutrition supplements and health screening
exercises against killer diseases like breast and cervical cancer,
diabetes, kidney disease and hypertension in many parts of the
country. She also spoke of interventions in deworming children.

Speaking on the programme’s involvement in empowerment, Mrs.
Buhari said poverty had to be tackled through deliberate programmes
to develop entrepreneurial skills and provide women and youth with
working tools. She mentioned rice mills, fish dryers, and groundnut
extruders as well as grinding mills, sewing machines, rickshaws and
spaghetti makers. Mrs. Buhari also spoke on the effort of the
programme in the protection of human rights of women and children
against abuse, violence and rape as well as supporting surgeries
and advocacy on conditions like intersex and hydrocephalus.

Mrs. Buhari said the event recognizes that many Nigerians “are
working to change lives like the programme is doing and need to be
emulated. Some of those recognized and honoured include DCP Abba
Kyari, a police officer, for uncommon dedication to duty, Ruona
Meyer, a journalist for producing a documentary on Codeine, leading
to its ban, Tobore Ovuorie, for her report on human trafficking.
Corporate organizations like FlexiSAF Foundation were also honoured
for innovation and social service.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Federal Ministry of
Health, UNFPA and Friesland Campina.

Highlights of the event were the cutting of the birthday cake
and unveiling of the Future Assured Magazine as well as a platform
to promote youth creativity.

The event was attended by wife of the Vice President, Mrs.
Dolapo Osinbajo, government officials, wives of State Governors and
members of the Diplomatic Corp.