The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Dr. Adaora Ifeoma Anyanwutaku has inaugurated a 10 man committee on Pro- Tem Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in the Ministry, held on Tuesday 21th September 2021, at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Permanent Secretary’s office.
Dr. Anyanwutaku explained that the ACTU was established by the Independence Corrupt Practices and other Related Offence Commission (ICPC), to implement mechanisms for its mandate on prohibition and prevention of corruption especially in the public service, adding that the unit is also established in MDAs of Government and operates as autonomous outfit with functional linkages with the office of Chief Executives of the ministries.
She stated that the reconstitution of the committee became necessary following the lull in operation due to the posting out of key officers to other ministries, adding that members inaugurated are to continue in the fight against corruption and ensure a corrupt- free environment in the Ministry.
The Permanent Secretary further stated that officers inaugurated, were carefully scrutinized and selected from various Departments based on their proven integrity, hard work and dedication to duty and assured the committee of the Ministry’s full support to enable them carry out their assignment successfully. She urged all members of staff to cooperate with the committee in achieving a corrupt- free Organisation.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN who was represented by Mr. Abuo Lawrence, stated that the Ministry whose function is to provide Nigerians with credible and timely information on government activities, programmes and initiative with an important task to create the technological environment for Nigerian’s socio- economic development has the duty of not only being alive to its responsibility but to also ensure that its staff are diligent, responsible and dedicated to their duties.
He encouraged the newly appointed members to work zealously and efficiently in discharging the mandate given to them and not witch hunt or betray the confidence reposed on them and avoid any questionable act.
The Chairman of the committee Mrs. Uche Veronica in her acceptance speech on behalf of the committee stated that the committee accepts the responsibilities saddled on them and that transparency, integrity and diligence will be their watchword. She also commended the ICPC for creating the Anti-Corruption Transparency Unit in MDAs as it will help to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.
Ikhidero Deborah
SIO
