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.
The Founder and CEO of the Foundation, Dr. Yusuf Suberu, made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Anti-Corruption Day is observed every year on December 9 to raise awareness on the negative impact of corruption on societies and economies.
NAN also reports that the day was introduced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 and is celebrated by countries across the world.
The theme of this year’s event is “Together Against Corruption for a Better Future.”
Suberu said corruption remains a major obstacle to development and good governance in Nigeria and requires cooperation from all stakeholders to combat it.
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 multifaceted problem that requires a collective and sustained effort to solve.
“It is an issue that affects us all and requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including government, civil society and the private sector,” he said.
Suberu said his foundation has worked to promote transparency and accountability in governance and support efforts to prevent and combat corruption.
He said the foundation has also worked with stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations (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 urged Nigerians to unite in the fight against corruption and hold their leaders accountable.
“We must all work together to create a culture of transparency and accountability in our country.
“We must hold our leaders accountable and use public resources for the greater good,” he said.
Suberu stressed the need for Nigerians to report cases of corruption to the relevant authorities and support efforts to strengthen institutions and promote good governance.
He commended the efforts of the federal government in the fight against corruption with the support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
