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.