The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has solicited the collaboration of the Voice Of Nigeria (VON) in its efforts at expanding anti-corruption sensitisation to every ‘nook and cranny’ in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the anti corruption agency, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, who spoke when the Director-General of VON, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace led a team of the organisation’s management staff to ICPC headquarters on a courtesy visit, said that public enlightenment is a core pillar of the ‘preventive mandate’ of the Commission.
He vowed to break the language barrier between the anti-corruption messages of the Commission and Nigerians, whose comprehension would be more in their local languages.
He stressed that enlightenment would help to bridge the gap between the Commission’s initiatives and the understanding of the general populace, potentially increasing their involvement in the fight against corruption.
“Nigerians need to know what we are doing. We do not need to rely on speaking to them in foreign languages” and went further to suggest that understanding the activities and goals of the Commission would help an average Nigerian be forthwith in divulging valuable information.
The ICPC boss maintained that the common goal of anti-graft agencies and other MDAs was to throw light on the positive attributes of the country, while working hard to combat the negatives that deter foreign investments and trade.
He cited an example of MDAs whose successes had led to global accolades and a willingness by other countries to adopt identical modes of operation.
“No foreign investor will bring money to a country where there is alleged corruption.”
According to him, other countries have found ways to amplify their strengths, while dealing with their shortcomings in resolute silence.
He said that investors, both local and foreign, are influenced by what they see and hear and as such, Nigerians must cultivate the habit of positivity.
In his remarks, the DG of VON stated that the visit was a testament to their willingness to “build on the solid foundation laid by our forefathers”.
Malam Ndace commended the good work of ICPC, saying that no MDA should be tentative about telling their success stories and insisted that the mandate of VON remained to “tell Nigeria and Africa story to the world.”
The DG emphasised that leveraging the media’s reach, ICPC can disseminate information effectively to remote areas and international audiences, thereby maximizing the impact of its campaigns.
He pointed out that VON utilises four local and four international languages, to ensure that the home-grown and global audience are adequately catered for.
He pledged the support of his media organisation to the Commission as he informed ICPC to “see the broadcasting institution as a partner.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has has appointed Engineer Emeka Eze as Chairman of the newly created Civil Service Commission in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A statement from the Presidency named Hon. Ahmed Mohammed from North West, Chief Anthony Okeah from South-South Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim from North East as Commissioners in the Commission.
Other Commissioners are Miskoom Alexander Naantuam from North Central, Hon. Jide Jimoh from South West and Barrister Martin Azubike from South East.
The statement said that President Tinubu approved the filling of vacancies in some critical agencies of the FCTA.
They are:
Abdulkadir Zulkarfi – Coordinator Satellite Town Development Department;
Chief Felix Obuah – Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Management Council; and
Oladiran Olufemi Akindele – Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Council (AIIC).
“Also, to strengthen the bureaucratic structure of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. President equally approved the appointment of the Head of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretaries in the FCT Civil Service.
“Mr. Atang Udo Samuel is appointed as the Head of the Civil Service and the following as Permanent Secretaries:
“Dr Adam Babagana – North East
“Wanki Adamu Ibrahim – North East
“Asmau Mukhtar – North West
“Dogo Aliyu Wadata Bodinga – North West
“Olusa Olusegun – South West
“Adetoyi Rabiu Kolawole – South West
“Grace Adayilo – North Central
“Olubunmi Olowookere – North Central
“Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka – South East
“Okonkwo Florence Nonubari – South South
“The appointments take immediate effect.
“The appointees would be sworn in on Monday 18th March, 2024.”

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is planning to establish a public relations school that would eventually grow into a Public Relations University.”
“To boost professionalism in public relations, the NIPR plans to set up a finishing school so that graduates in mass communication, advertising, communication arts, etc, can come and specialise in Public Relations, and this institution will eventually grow to become Public Relations University.”
These where made known by the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, when he paid separate courtesy visits to the leaderships of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in their respective secretariat in Abuja.
According to the President, the law establishing NIPR makes it a criminal offence for anybody to practise public relations by whatever name without certification or licensed by NIPR.
He said that some journalists and Editors have crossed over to PR practice as Spokespersons and therefore need the certification to avoid violating the Nigerian law.
Neliaku used the opportunity to invite the leadership of the two professional bodies to participate in the forthcoming programmes of NIPR which include National Spokespersons Summits and Awards, PRWeek, Rebirth Nigeria project among others.
Speaking on the programmes, Neliaku said: “We have discovered that several spokespersons are driven by projecting only their principals in positive light, while others are held in the negative.
“That is why we want to hold a national spokespersons summit and awards. This is because we have to recognise those who have done well and use them as icons or templates to promote the image of Nigeria.
“We are hosting this event from the 26th to 28th of this month in Abuja. We are hoping that at the end of the summit, those who are already spokespersons and their successors will have a good reference material to guide them in their work.
“We are also set to hold the PR Week in Abeokuta next month to boost genuine investments in the country, using public relations to reinvent the economy of our country.
“We believe that the NIPR is in a position to drive the economic recovery of this country, through reputation management and by partnering with other related bodies in the communication industry
“Next is Rebirth Nigeria project which seeks to reinvent the value Orientation of Nigeria, comprising of value reorientation, operation excellence in service delivery, citizenship and patronage of made in Nigeria.

“We shall also host our Diamond Anniversary Cerebration. After clocking 60 years, we want to dedicate the entire month of June to do this programme.
“We also plan to host Nigeria Reputation Fair. We are having this programme in collaboration with the Kwara State government.
Responding, the National President of the NUJ, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, said that the visit has further showcased the cordial relationship between the two esteemed organisations, stressing that they both showcase national ideals based on understanding and collaboration through the dissemination of accurate communication and effective reportage, respectively.
He expressed confidence that the meeting will serve as catalyst for both organisations to advance the cause of press freedom, promote ethical journalism and advance the practice of both professions.
In her response, the President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo commended NIPR leadership for strenghtening the relationship between the PR body and the Network of online publishers.
Represented by the Deputy President of GOCOP, Mallam Danlami Nmodu mni, she expressed supports for the upcoming programmes of the NIPR, promising that they would remain partners in progress for a better Nigeria.
Source PRNigeria.

Nigeria has finally opened its land and air borders with the Republic of Niger and the lifting of other sanctions against the country with immediate effect.
The directive to that effect was given by President Bola Tinubu, in compliance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
ECOWAS leaders had agreed to lift economic sanctions against the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
President Tinubu directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately:
Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as well as ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.
Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, as well as freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic.
Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger, state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks.
Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD.
Travel bans on government officials and their family members.
The President also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.

Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has advised President Bola Tinubu to open Nigeria’s land borders to allow food stuffs come in, as a way of addressing the current food crisis in the country.
The Governor, who received in audience, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, in Kano, lamented the harsh economic conditions being experienced by Nigerians.
He stressed that the reopening of the borders would check inflation and drastically reduce prices of food items.
“We wish to appreciate the president’s intervention in the ongoing national food initiative.
“He considers Kano as the host for the initiative ahead of its planned launch, believing that the programme will cushion the effects of food scarcity if implemented.
“Another immediate intervention that can make food available and affordable to our population is for the Federal Government to consider the reopening of the borders and allow free importation of commodities.”
Governor Abba lauded the Customs’ food distribution scheme and called for proactive measures to guard against diversion of the commodities.
The governor pledged continued support to the Service to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively.
This was even as Adeniyi called for effective synergy between the Service and the Kano community.
He said that the Custom Service is committed to deeper collaboration and mutual understanding.
He promised to implement policies aimed at refining business processes and fostering engagement with stakeholders.