NOA, ICPC partner on Constituency projects awareness

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has organised a-one-day workshop on Constituency projects awareness in Anambra State.

The workshop termed “My Constituency, My Projects” was geared towards educating the public on the need to be involved in the process of selecting, implementing and monitoring those constituency projects for the purpose of transparency and accountability.

The workshop held at the Golden Tulip Hotels, Agulu, was graced by select traditional rulers from the three senatoral zones in the state, select president generals also from the three senatoral zones, Civil Society organisations, security agencies, and media organisations, among others.

Delivering his address, the ICPC Zonal Commissioner in-charge of Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states, Barrister Amudu Sule, explained that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is the Government Agency with the specific mandate to fight corruption in three ways; one, by investigating reports of corruption and prosecuting the people who committed the corrupt acts (Enforcement); two, by examining the ways government organisations can carry out their works and correcting those practices that allow corruption to take place ( Corruption prevention); and three, by carrying out public enlightenment and education to gain the support of Nigerians for the anti-corruption fight.

“Constituency projects are the projects that are selected by legislators and provided for in the budgets of government Ministries and agencies for execution, whereas there are other projects that are developed and implemented directly by the Executive arm of government. All these projects are located in communities across the country and are for the benefit of citizens

“In its drive to stop corruption in the projects executed by government, ICPC launched its Constituency Projects Tracking Group Initiative in 2019. The campaign was flagged off in the Federal Capital Territory in November last year,” Sule explained.

On his part, Director General, National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Dr Garba Abari disclosed that the essence of the partnership was to change the perception of the public, so that citizens will begin to see the project as theirs and therefore continue to make the needed contributions that would help to popularise democratic model of government in Nigeria.

Abari, who was represented by the Anambra State Director NOA, said: “It is our view that when communities take ownership of these projects, there will be genuine interest to preserve and protect them.

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“It will also ensure that contractors, ever eager to maximize profits, execute the project to the highest standard required. Community ownership will ensure that legislators and other officials of government are alerted when there is poor execution of these contracts and that they also are held responsible and accountable”.

He further maintained that the projects were inserted and supported by members of the National Assembly, during the budget cycle to drive the need to get development closer to the grassroots.

Also, a representative from Actionaid Scrap C Project, Miss Amina Chaku Umar, urged the public to take possession of any government project in their communities, and as well, provide maximum security against vandalism.

At the end, a toll free number was released to contact ICPC in case of any information or fraudulent activity concerning constituency projects.

The numbers are 0800 22554 272, 08031230280, 07056990190 while the website are www.icpc.gov.ng and email – Infor@icpc.gov.ng.