In a compelling ceremony, the 2023 Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA), orchestrated by the Human and Environmental Developmental Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) with generous support from the MacArthur Foundation, placed a significant emphasis on the need to dismantle the foundational structures of the globalized political economy perpetuating corruption. The distinguished Award Lecture, titled “Corruption, Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance: A Review of the Current Socio-Economic Challenges and Reality in Nigeria,” delivered by Emeritus Professor of Biology, Omotoye Olorode, a Member of the Secretariat Collective at the Movement for Socialist Transformation (MOST), underscored the critical importance of comprehending these structures. Professor Olorode stressed that such understanding is pivotal for professionals, patriots, and intellectuals, empowering them to bolster their capacity in supporting resistance organizations against corruption. A highlight of the event was the conferral of the Outstanding Integrity Award upon Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, the former Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. Dr. Odetayo expressed joy and used the platform to call for sustained support for the youth, emphasizing their crucial role in the fight against corruption. The Valuable Whistleblower category witnessed the triumph of investigative journalist David Hundeyin over his sole contender, Comrade Ibrahim Ali, showcasing the pivotal role of media in uncovering corruption. In the Nigeria in Diaspora award category, Dr. Oludare David Adetoro was recognized, while James Chijioke Ume, the publisher of TheWhistler.ng, received the Outstanding Impact Award for his noteworthy philanthropic contributions. The ceremony extended special recognition awards to eminent figures who have made outstanding contributions to HEDA’s objectives. Legal luminary Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Human Rights Activist Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, Former EFCC Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Comrade Femi Aborisade, Prof. Shehu Abdullah, Dr. Tunde Akanni of LASU, and Mr. Wale Adeoye were acknowledged for their unwavering support in promoting good governance, transparency, and the relentless fight against corruption in Nigeria. These accolades resonated as a collective call for systemic change, echoing throughout the event, urging a unified effort to eradicate corruption at its roots and foster a more transparent and accountable society.

In a resounding celebration of unwavering integrity and anti-corruption advocacy, the HEDA Resource Centre marked the sixth edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA) in Lagos. The awards, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, aimed to commend individuals and entities championing principles of openness, honesty, probity, accountability, transparency, and whistleblowing in both public and private domains. The event commenced with a thought-provoking lecture titled “Corruption, Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance: A Review of the Current Socio-Economic Challenges and Reality in Nigeria,” delivered by Professor Omotoye Olorode. Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana lauded HEDA for its steadfast commitment to the annual awards, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and challenging awardees, especially amid the current economic challenges. Distinguished figures present included Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, Mr. Femi Aborisade, Wahab Shittu SAN, Dr. Tunde Akanni, and Mr. Wale Adeoye, among others. The Outstanding Integrity Award was secured by Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, former Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, who expressed joy and urged continued support for the youth. In the Valuable Whistleblower category, investigative journalist David Hundeyin triumphed over his sole contender, Comrade Ibrahim Ali. Dr. Oludare David Adetoro clinched the Nigeria in Diaspora award, while the Outstanding Impact Award recognized James Chijioke Ume, publisher of TheWhistler.ng, for his philanthropic contributions. Elated by his win, Ume emphasized, “The award stands for so many things to me, including a call for service. It shows that, no matter the small contributions to humanity, people are watching and recognizing our efforts.” Michael Awo Ejeh, an awardee in the Outstanding Impact category, expressed gratitude and urged organizers to sustain the momentum, seeking more partnerships for a broader impact. The event also featured special recognition awards for personalities such as Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Comrade Femi Aborisade, Prof. Shehu Abdullah, Dr. Tunde Akanni, Mr. Wale Adeoye, and others. These awards acknowledged their outstanding support and significant contributions to HEDA’s objectives and their commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and the relentless fight against corruption in Nigeria. The awards ceremony underscored the vital role of fostering integrity, impact, and accountability in society, serving as a beacon of recognition for those making significant contributions to these noble causes.

Stakeholders in the fight against corruption have expressed grave concerns over prolonged delays in the justice administration system, citing these delays as a contributing factor to the worsening corruption situation in the country. The unanimous consensus among these stakeholders is a plea for a comprehensive review of existing laws to bring them in line with contemporary global trends. This resolution was pronounced during the public presentation of the 7th edition of the Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria. The event, orchestrated by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and backed by the MacArthur Foundation, unfolded in Lagos to mark International Anti-Corruption Day. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun (rtd), Chairperson of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission in Lagos State, stressed the imperative for corruption cases to be treated with the same level of attention as election petition matters. She underscored the urgency of prompt action, emphasizing that delays could potentially enable wrongdoers to escape justice with the support of sympathetic administrations. Olatoregun asserted, “Corruption undermines the very fabric of our society, eroding trust, hampering economic development, and obstructing the path to justice and equality. Transparency, accountability, and the dispensation of justice play pivotal roles in fostering a fair and equitable society.” Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, also underscored the significance of combating corruption in the state through the enactment of laws governing public complaints and anti-corruption commissions. He highlighted this legislative framework as a powerful tool for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases within the state. Pedro urged sustained efforts to establish a fair and efficient system that holds individuals accountable for corrupt practices. In his keynote address on the rule of law, effective administration of criminal justice, and good governance in the prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria, Wahab Shittu (SAN) emphasized the critical nature of these elements for societal survival. Shittu proposed measures to restore public confidence in the justice delivery system, including preventing delays, enhancing appointment procedures for judicial officers, and improving court infrastructure and information technology. HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, issued a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate unwavering commitment in the fight against corruption. Suraju urged for a resounding statement from Tinubu, conveying a dedicated interest in the anti-corruption cause and emphasizing the importance of reminding Nigerians about past corruption incidents.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent civil society organization committed to promoting good governance and accountability, has submitted a formal request to the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswin Akpabio, urging the immediate commissioning of a forensic audit of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). In a letter signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the Senate President, the civil society group highlights the concerns raised by some staff members of NILDS regarding double taxation and deductions from their salaries. The Director-General of NILDS allegedly imposed these deductions to offset the institute’s supposed indebtedness to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for personnel income tax. The impact of these double deductions on the financial well-being of the affected staff has been severe, leading to difficulties in meeting their family’s financial needs. Furthermore, the letter brings attention to the Director-General’s questionable expenditures, including the purchase of new vehicles, which drew scrutiny from the Auditor-General of the Federation. As the Chairman of the Governing Council of NILDS, the Senate President is uniquely positioned to address these issues and has the authority to commission a forensic audit of the institute. HEDA respectfully requests the constitution of an independent Panel of External Auditors and Lawyers known for their incorruptible reputation to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of NILDS. The letter reads in part, “HEDA  has received numerous complaints from concerned staff members through its whistleblower toll-free lines. These whistleblowers have expressed their willingness to provide both oral and documentary evidence but emphasize the need for the establishment of an independent and external forensic panel.” The documentary evidence that the concerned staff intends to submit is expected to shed light on various issues, including the query against NILDS as outlined in the 2019-2022 Reports of the Auditor-General of the Federation. Additionally, the evidence is expected to reveal non-compliance with labour laws, financial regulations, and public service rules, as well as instances of gross mismanagement and diversion of funds within the institute. HEDA’s request for a forensic audit also extends to the Director-General’s alleged non-compliance with standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the Masters programs of the University of Benin/NILDS, resulting in a high failure rate among students. The call for a forensic audit is grounded in the organization’s dedication to upholding principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance. HEDA awaits a prompt response from the Senate President to address these serious allegations and ensure a thorough investigation into the affairs of NILDS.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I am here today to discuss a prevalent issue that afflicts societies worldwide – corruption. Corruption doesn’t merely blemish the fabric of our communities; it stands as a formidable obstacle to progress, justice, and equality. It corrodes the very pillars of trust upon which our institutions rest and subverts the principles of fairness and integrity. Corruption, in its various guises, emerges in every nook of our world, impacting global north and south nations alike. It knows no boundaries of industry, sector, or profession. Expanding in the shadows drains the life force from our shared aspirations for a fair and just society. One of the most pernicious facets of corruption is its capacity to perpetuate a cycle of poverty and inequality. As resources are diverted from essential public services, the most vulnerable members of society bear the brunt. However, let us not surrender to a sense of despair. The fight against corruption is a crusade for justice, transparency, and the greater good. It necessitates a collective endeavor, with each of us contributing to the cultivation of a culture of accountability. Above all, we must insist on accountability from governments. Essential to this cause are transparency in governance, open access to information, and stringent anti-corruption measures. Civil society plays a vital and indispensable role in the sustenance and enhancement of democracy. At its core, civil society encompasses a diverse array of non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, community-based organizations, and engaged citizens who collectively contribute to shaping the democratic landscape Coming from the unpalatable personal experience of persecution in a case of corruption fighting back myself, I would like to draw attention to the plight of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a renowned academic whose extensive research has always aimed at contributing to socioeconomic progress. He has also long advocated against corruption and is esteemed for his positive demeanor. His contributions to the UNCAC Coalition on issues such as asset recovery are noteworthy. He was expected to attend this Conference. Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu has been incarcerated for the past 142 days, facing health challenges and being denied essential medications. ICRC repeatedly has been denied from seeing him including international doctors. It is disheartening to convene this Conference without his presence. His wife has also endured brutality at the hands of authorities, with eight police officers attacking her, leaving her with injuries and suffering from PTSD. Being subject to massive human rights abuses, we should point out the fake investigation on him. The investigation which carries no basis and only started because of Gubad Ibadoghlu’s life work on covering anti-corruption. Dr. Ibadoghlu has committed his life to education and is beloved by his students. He has established a scholarship fund to educate youth. His place is at University, in the classroom, carrying out research, exchanging with fellow academics. Mr. President, we note and commend the progressive achievement of the Conference of State Parties in the experience graduation of its decision-making process from consensus to voting. This must be sustained going forward. Kleptocrats, corrupts and despots must have sleepless nights with every conference of the UNCAC and this should be the foundation for such repositioning