Osinbajo, Itse Sagay, others for symposium on funding, sustaining anti-corruption fight in Nigeria

A non governmental organization known as the Convention on Business Integrity and the Integrity Organization will on Thursday hold a symposium intended to spark debate on how to effectively fund and sustain anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.

The event will hold at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, at 10:30am.

A statement by the organizations on Monday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on corruption had so far been clear that it is so often seen in his “body language.”

“Many perceive this administration’s fight against corruption to be more of the same witch-hunt tactics used by previous administrations to settle political scores. For others, the corruption fight is urgently needed but currently personal, and embodied in President Buhari,” the statement said.

It also said for the fight against corruption to be effective and far reaching, there needs to be concrete ways of funding, driving and sustaining anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria that complements the president’s body language.

“There needs to be more support from leaders of the business community, all arms of government, civil society and the general public,” the symposium organisers said.

“Extensive deliberations on finding an effective Nigerian response to this global problem are now needed. As a former EFCC Chairman once noted, “if Nigeria does not kill corruption, corruption will kill us.”

The special guest of honour at the event is Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while Itse Sagay, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who also currently serve as the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption, will chair the symposium.

The statement added that other notable speakers would include organisations and individuals involved in anti- corruption work.

“It is anticipated the event will have in attendance representatives/decision makers/stakeholders in key organizations involved in or affected by anti-corruption work in Nigeria including donor agencies, international and local financial institutions, anti-corruption agencies, media houses (local & international), civil society, local philanthropic foundations, the private sector and the National Assembly.

“We hope that this programme, in addition to sensitizing and proffering viable solutions to the issue, will also stimulate reflection and discourse by all stakeholders on the rationale for funding and sustaining anti-corruption work in Nigeria,” organisers said.