Osun Govt, ICPC launch students’ Anti Corruption Clubs in sixty-eight schools
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
In a bid to further curb corrupt practices in the society, the Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with Osun state government have launched Students’ Anti Corruption Clubs in sixty-eight schools in the State.
The Anti corruption club which came cross both public and private schools in the state was inaugurated to sensitise the young ones on the evil of corruption in the society.
Addressing the gathering in Osogbo, on Tuesday, the Osun Commissioner for Education, Hon. Folorunso Oladoyin described the corruption as an evil that hinders speedy development in the society.
Oladoyin who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Adelani Aderinola said there is nothing exemplary in getting involved in corrupt practices, stressing that it can also deny the student quality education.
While admonishing students against corrupt practices Oladoyin said the essence of the club is to sensitise the nation from schools.
He explained that there is the need for the students to let everyone know and participate actively in the club.
In his address the Chairman, ICPC Prof. Bola Owosanoye who was represented by Osun state resident anti corruption commissioner, Babaalaro Shu’aib said corruption goes beyond pecuniary issues and it is not only about collecting bribe.
He said, “Section 2 of the corrupt practices and other related offences Act 2000 defines corruption as anything that include fraud, gratification and other related offences and any act that snacks of lack of integrity can qualify as other related offence and can be punished under the ICPC act 2000 and any other law that seeks to prevent corruption.”
He identified building institutional capacity and reinvigorating positive values among youths as one of the surest way to prevent corruption in the society, noting preventing it at an early stage is always the best.
He described youths anywhere in the world as the backbone of national development because they posses energy, talent and valor which if properly galvanised and channelled could lead to positive national transformation, growth and development.
While emphasing on the efforts of the Commission to prevent corruption, Prof. Owasanoye said, “The Commission has been able to rejuvenate the nation’s positive values, followed up on the formation of clubs with the introduction of the national values Curriculum (NVC) in conjunction with the Nigeria Education Research and development council (NERDC).”
He commended the State Government for their collaboration through the Ministry of Education, urging all stakeholders especially the institution of learning and regulatory ministries, departments and agencies to support in the implementation of re orientation values towards preventing corruption for the positive transformation of the nation.
