The National Anti-corruption Volunteer Corps (NAVC) in Omu-Aran, Kwara has called on community leaders to support the Federal Government’s anti-corruption crusade.
Mr Olushola Babalola, the Corps Coordinator for Kwara South Senatorial District made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area on Wednesday.
Olushola said such support had become imperative in order to reduce corruption related offences, especially at the grassroots.
The NAVC boss expressed the need to create the necessary awareness among the people on the anti-corruption crusade to make it all encompassing in achieving the desired objective.
“Fighting corruption and other related practices is not limited to financial transaction and dealings.
“Betrayal of trust and non-commitment to terms of agreement on contracts, investment and businesses are parts of fraudulent practices.
“Even traders or filling station attendants who engage in sharp practices in the cause of their operations are liable to corruption.
“That is why everybody, be it community leaders, religious leaders, transport union as well as market executive must be involved and have specific role in this regard,” he said.
Babalola said the organisation had embarked on an awareness tour to schools, religious places and markets in order to educate the people on the dangers inherent in corruption and other illicit acts.
Mrs Moradeyo Ajiboye, the Coordinator of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) charged women to always live above board as mothers of the nation.
She said the role of women in ensuring unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among the people of various communities could not be over-emphasised.
“It is part of our responsibilities as mothers to instill discipline and good morals on our children for them to be useful both to themselves and the society at large,” she said.
Chief Bisi Adeyemi, the President, Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) expressed support of the community leaders toward ensuring the success of government’s fight against corruption.
Adeyemi expressed the need for government to extend its anti-corruption fight to the grassroots, saying that major focus of the fight was predominantly on cities and urban areas.
“We will not relent in our efforts to educate the people, especially the youths, on the need for them to be at the fore front of the anti-corruption crusade. (NAN)