Abuja:Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, former Minister of State for Power and Steel, has called on Nigerians to cease celebrating individuals with unexplained wealth, emphasizing that corruption must become socially unacceptable.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Hagher made this call during the Verbatim Annual Ethics and Integrity Awards/Dinner in Abuja, where 100 integrity-compliant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and their leaders were acknowledged.
Hagher stressed that Nigeria’s battle against corruption requires more than just legal measures and prosecutions. He advocated for rebuilding the nation’s conscience and promoting integrity as a shared moral duty. He criticized the societal practice of rewarding those who acquire wealth through questionable means and later seek public recognition through philanthropy.
He pointed out that corruption extends beyond the mere theft of public funds, highlighting the human consequences of diverting resources meant for essential services like healthcare and education. Hagher described corruption as “violence committed through paperwork,” depriving citizens of necessary resources and services.
He called for the teaching of integrity across various societal sectors, emphasizing the need for leaders to demonstrate ethical standards and for society to honor public officials who uphold these values. Hagher urged Nigerians to embrace love as a moral principle in public life, expressed through truth, justice, and respect for human dignity.
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), represented by Kayode Kupolati. Aliyu underscored the importance of integrity in national development and warned against the detrimental impact of corruption on development and public trust. He urged media and religious institutions to promote ethical values and called for public accountability.
Mr. Tobs Agbaegbu, Publisher of Verbatim News Magazine, highlighted that the awards aimed to recognize excellence and integrity in public service. He mentioned the collaboration with the ICPC and the expansion of the initiative to cover both public and private sectors.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that institutions like the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the National Open University of Nigeria were among those recognized for their outstanding performances.