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Tag: EU-RoLAC

  • EU-RoLAC supports Kano govt to launch anti-corruption strategy

    EU-RoLAC supports Kano govt to launch anti-corruption strategy

    In a bold step towards strengthening transparency and accountability, the Kano State Government has officially launched its Anti-Corruption Strategy (2024–2028), a comprehensive framework designed to combat corruption and foster integrity across the state.

    The strategy was unveiled during a high-profile event supported by the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

    The launch coincided with the commemoration of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

    This year’s theme underscores the critical role of young people as drivers of change in the fight against corruption.

    Speaking at the event, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, emphasized the need to tackle corruption, describing it as “a cancer that erodes trust, undermines institutions, and hampers progress.”

    He further stated, “Protecting human rights is at the core of our administration’s agenda. We are determined, as a government, to block systemic linkages, investigate corruption, and ensure value for public funds.”

    In addition to the strategy launch, the event featured activities such as debates, sensitization campaigns, and stakeholder discussions.

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    These engagements emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among anti-corruption agencies, civil society, media, and the private sector to tackle corruption effectively.

    The RoLAC state coordinator, Ibrahim Bello, highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria, stating, “The European Union and International IDEA remain steadfast in their partnership with Nigeria to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability. This strategy is a testament to what can be achieved through collective efforts.”

    Bello further expressed his delight and commended the governor’s reform-minded approach and consistent support of his administration for the programme.

    “The governor is a formidable partner in fighting corruption in the state. He has demonstrated his commitment by working with development partners to ensure a corruption-free state,” he said.

  • EU-RoLAC, Edo mark 16 days of activism with renewed commitment to end GBV

    EU-RoLAC, Edo mark 16 days of activism with renewed commitment to end GBV

    Edo state has joined the global community in commemorating the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a series of impactful activities aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the eradication of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    The campaign, themed “UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” was spearheaded by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme in collaboration with the State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues (MSDGI).

    The highlight of the event was the attendance of the Sister to the new Edo State Governor, Monday Okpenholor, Ms Okpenholor, who reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to the fight against SGBV.

    In her address, she emphasised the importance of collective action in creating a society free of violence against women and girls.

    “This administration stands firmly against all forms of gender-based violence. Together, we will strengthen our efforts to ensure that survivors are supported, perpetrators are held accountable, and future generations can live in safety and dignity,” Ms Okpenholor said.

    The RoLAC team spotlighted the detrimental impact of retrogressive cultural practices that have hindered SGBV campaigns in Nigeria for years.

    The State Coordinator, RoLAC, Ms Uche Nwokedi, urged survivors to break the silence and come forward.

    “We must challenge harmful traditions that perpetuate violence and discourage survivors from speaking out. Ending SGBV requires not only strong laws but also a societal shift that empowers survivors to share their stories without fear of stigma,” she stated.

    A range of activities marked the campaign in Edo State, including social media campaigns, road walks, community sensitizations, and a high-level conference. These initiatives were designed to galvanize public attention, engage stakeholders, and spark meaningful discussions around SGBV prevention and response.

    The campaign also highlighted gaps in the implementation of existing laws and policies. Stakeholders called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and urged policymakers to prioritize SGBV prevention within government agendas.

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    “Laws alone are not enough; we need consistent implementation and community-driven solutions to ensure their impact,” a participant remarked during a press briefing.

    The State Government commitment and RoLAC’s call for survivor empowerment set a hopeful tone for the campaign, underscoring the urgency of united action against SGBV.

    As the 16 Days of Activism draw to a close, Edo State remains steadfast in its pledge to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls, ensuring a safer future for all.

  • EU-RoLAC conference tackles corruption prevention in Nigeria

    EU-RoLAC conference tackles corruption prevention in Nigeria

    A high-level conference aimed at bolstering the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) capacity for corruption prevention was held recently in Kano State.

    The event, organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in collaboration with the ICPC and supported by the European Union Funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, brought together key stakeholders from government, anti-corruption agencies, and the private sector.

    The conference served as a platform to discuss innovative strategies and foster partnerships to enhance the ICPC’s institutional framework in addressing corruption. 

    Discussions focused on sustainable approaches to reducing corruption while improving transparency and accountability in governance.

    Honourable Justice Lawal Shuaibu formally opened the event with a strong message emphasizing the need for synergy among anti-corruption agencies.

     “Fighting corruption is not a one-man battle; it requires a collective and collaborative effort,” he declared. Justice Shuaibu highlighted the multifaceted nature of corruption and called for innovative approaches to tackle its challenges.

    He addressed key issues, including the misuse of ex parte orders by judges to impede the work of anti-corruption agencies, which he described as a significant obstacle. “Such actions make the war against corruption more arduous and undermine the fight for accountability,” he stated.

    He urged public servants to prioritize integrity and the public interest in their duties, emphasizing that eliminating dishonesty within institutions is essential for fostering a corruption-free society.

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    In his keynote address, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, Project Manager, Anti-Corruption of the RoLAC Programme, delivered an impactful speech on leveraging technology and community engagement to combat corruption.

     “The fight against corruption is not a romance; it is a battle that demands every resource we can muster,” Dr. Uche declared.

    Dr. Uche highlighted the transformative potential of technology in enhancing transparency and monitoring public funds.

     He stressed that integrating community-driven efforts into anti-corruption initiatives fosters accountability at all levels of governance.

     His address reinforced the need for strategic, resource-intensive efforts that combine technological innovations with grassroots engagement to develop long-term solutions to corruption.

    The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to intensify efforts in the fight against corruption. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovative strategies, and the implementation of preventive measures to ensure transparent and accountable governance in Nigeria.

    This event underscored the critical role of partnerships and institutional reform in addressing corruption, positioning the ICPC and its allies as key drivers in the pursuit of a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.