Accountability Lab has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting integrity and accountability in public service by honouring those who have demonstrated unwavering integrity in performing their duties.
The event, organised in partnership with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, and the Yar’Adua Foundation, aims to honour exemplary public servants who foster trust and transparency between government offices and citizens.
In his address at the eighth edition of the Integrity Icon Awards yesterday in Abuja, the Accountability Lab country director, Mr Odeh Friday, emphasised the importance of ethical governance in public service.
He said, “Today, we celebrate amazing public servants who are building trust between citizens and their government offices.”
The winners of the eighth edition of the ceremony are Inspector Kamoshi Tada, Olugbenga Johnson Kuye, Ezekiel Osemuahu Obazele, Ojoge Omobola Temitope, and Idowu Quadri, all celebrated for their unwavering commitment to integrity and responsible leadership in public service.
He stated that the Integrity Icon recognises and celebrates these individuals, creating a network of public servants with integrity and accountability.
Friday noted that the Integrity Icon initiative, launched eight years ago, is dedicated to rebuilding citizens’ confidence in governance by recognising public servants who exemplify transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery.
He highlighted how open governance, where accessible information allows citizens to engage with government processes, is crucial for building public trust and monitoring development initiatives in local communities.
A unique feature of the Integrity Icon Awards is its citizen-driven nomination process. He said, “We do not nominate these icons ourselves; citizens nominate them and share their stories. This year, we received over 2,500 nominations. Our team reviews these submissions to ensure they align with our core values.”
For his part, Dr Otive Igbuzor, executive director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre LSD), stressed the crucial role of trust in governance.
He explained, “Trust is the foundation of governance—without it, policies falter, institutions crumble, and democracy weakens.”
Igbuzor warned against the dangers of a trust deficit caused by corruption, unfulfilled promises, and unethical practices, which can destabilise institutions and hinder collaboration.
To rebuild public trust, Igbuzor outlined strategic measures, including embedding ethics in governance, strengthening legal frameworks, promoting inclusivity, and utilising digital tools like e-governance to enhance transparency and accountability.
He also highlighted the importance of engaging marginalised communities and fostering fairness in decision-making.
Similarly, Engr Aminu Yaro, the director general of the Kaduna Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA), echoed Igbuzor’s sentiments, focusing on the importance of combating procurement fraud.
He stressed the transformative role of e-procurement systems in curbing corruption and underscored the need for competent individuals to be appointed to key positions.
Yaro also championed gender equity in public procurement, emphasising its importance in ensuring fairness and inclusivity.
Additionally, Vivian Emehelu, the director of programs and Administration at the SMY Foundation, called for personal responsibility in her goodwill message.
She stated, “Breaking unethical norms begins with each one of us. By staying vigilant and mindful of our daily actions, we can collectively create a culture of integrity and accountability.”
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