The organization for African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) together with her state counterpart, International Peace And Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC) to host a one day meeting of step-down training on strenghting the capacity of Community-Organisations (CBOs) on whistleblowing and whistleblower protection.
The event which featured interactive sessions amongst the organizers and participants to checkmate the impact of their whistleblowing in promoting accountability and transparency in project monitoring in Anambra, networking took place in Awka, the Anambra State Capital.
In his address, the Coordinator for African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, represented by the Senior Program Officer, Nkechi Ugwu expressed optimism that the implementation of the Whistleblower law will harness protection of the persons involved and reduce corruption in public domain.
He encouraged participants to ensure maximum application of the outcome of their training in their various communities.
Also speaking, the Director, Public Enlightenment, lndependent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (lCPC), Mr lnalegwu Shaibu stated that the Whistleblower policy offers protection of the individual as well as safeguard his reputation. He appealed to concerned citizens to report any financial related matters in their various communities.
Mr. Shuabu further added that Fighting corruption is a collective responsibility for every Nigerian who is in support for a transparent and democratic nation bound by unity and progress and called for more partnership in service delivery.
On her part, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ms Chiamaka Nnake represented by Mrs Ezechi Chioma affirmed that the Soludo-led government is ready and willing to partner with sister agencies to make Anambra a smart, mega, livable and prosperous homeland.
Mrs Chioma while noting that Community Whistleblowing is an ardent tool to assist the local vigilante to curb criminal elements, commended the leadership of the CBOs and called for total commitment and dedication to ensure a corrupt free society.
The State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sir Joseph Uchendu described a Whistleblower as an informant who voluntarily discloses to the government and other responsible commissions a irregularities or corrupt practice that is detrimental to life and existence of common citizens.
Mr. Uchendu also noted that though the information by the Whistleblower could be Messaic in nature, but such information must flow the path of honesty and legality and further gave the assurance that NOA will continue to partner with all CBOs and respective institutions towards curbing corruption in Nigeria.
In his separate remarks, the Coordinator, lnternational Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (lPCRC), Comrade Chris Azor bemoaned the effects on corruption on our society. According to him, it is the duties of citizens to hold government accountable and demand transparency in governance.
He further appealed to participants to take accountability of the projects in their communities seriously and ensure that such projects are concrete and in time.
Other notable persons who the meeting includes Civil servants, Media practitioners, stakeholders economic and financial experts.
