By Oginyi Ruth
A Non-Governmental organization, Alliance for Africa (AFA) with support from MacArthur Foundation has trained over 50 anti-corruption advocates in renewed efforts against corruption in Nigeria.
The anti-corruption ambassadors were trained on the dangers of corruption and the need to join in the war against the menace by all Nigerians at a 2-day capacity training organized by AFA at Abakaliki in Ebonyi State.
The training tagged, “Policy Engagement Skills and Strategies as Promoters and Advocates of Accountability” had in attendance media practitioners, people living with disabilities, political office holders, security agencies and CSOs.
According to the organizers, the training was aimed at enhancing the knowledge of the participants in advocating for a corruption free society and in turn enhances development.
Recall that the recent Transparency International report for 2018 indicated that Nigeria Corruption Perceptions Index (NCPI) ranked 144 least corrupt nation out of 175 countries analyzed.
A leader of the team, Mrs Blessing Duru, noted that the programme became more important because of the growing rate of corruption in the society.
She lamented that corruption is not only limited to government officials or political office holders but also to market women who use comprised cup to sell garri and rice are also promoting corruption.
Duru explained that MacArthur Foundation decided to join hands with Alliance for African to raise anti-corruption advocates in Enugu and Ebonyi states to enable the public ask questions and hold their leaders accountable.
On her part, AFA Communications officer, Chinewndu Anozie, urged participants to tackle corruption in the state for the benefit of younger generations, stressing that citizens after electing a leader should be able to hold such leader accountable to the people.
One of the resource persons, Mr Monday Michael Ashibogwu, in his submission, called on the federal government to adopt policy that would make anti-corruption fight feasible in the country.
Mr Monday commended AFA for organising the training, noting that with the knowledge impacted on the participants they will go a long way in advocating for a corruption free society especially in the rural areas.
