All is set by the coalition of civil society organisations focussing on societal development and anti-corruption campaigns in the country to hold its conference for this year.
The two-day event tagged “Behavioural Change Conference 2024” will be held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, between Tuesday, October 15 and the next day.
The conference’s organisers, under the umbrella of the Behaviour Change Cohort of the MacArthur Foundation, include the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, and Step Up Nigeria.
The trio has in the last five years worked together to innovate ideas and programs aimed at building a culture of integrity and sound character towards addressing the endemic corruption challenge facing Nigeria and its people.
Former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in Nigeria’s Presidency, Joe Abah, will join other development experts, anti-corruption crusaders, and policy analysts at the conference to appraise behavioural change efforts by some Nigerian organisations and suggest fresh ideas moving forward.
Mr Abah is currently the Country Director of Development Alternatives Incorporated, a development organisation for a better society.
He will deliver the keynote speech on the theme “Nigeria at a Critical Crossroad: Securing the Future with Enduring Anti-Corruption Policies.”
Also expected as lead speakers at the conference are Dr. Otive Igbuzo, who is the Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, as well as Osasuyi Dirisu, who is the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, among others.
According to a statement jointly issued by the group, the conference will equally showcase a five-year report and the premiere of a documentary film, which are aimed at celebrating the remarkable achievements of the cohort.
“It will also set precedence for a collaborative roadmap for advancing anti-corruption efforts and fostering lasting behavioural change across Nigeria,” the group added.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Executive Director of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Mr. Akin Fadeyi, described the conference as significant while urging participants to commit to advancing the efforts beyond a mere talk show.
He said, “The conference will mark a momentous step in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
“This is because over the past five years, our group has witnessed ground-breaking transformations, and this event will not only highlight them but also inspire new strategies for sustaining behavioural change in the country.
“We know that the discussions at the conference and the expected collaborations will continue to ignite the passion for integrity and accountability across all sectors.
“So, together, we are shaping a future free from the shackles of corruption.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Rev. Father George Ehusani, expressed enthusiasm, emphasising the need for leadership in the fight against corruption.
According to him, now, as a country and the people, we stand at a crossroads where the moral fabric of our society is tested daily by corruption.
“So, this conference will serve as a veritable platform to challenge ourselves and our leaders to uphold values of transparency, justice, and selfless service.
“We must instill in every Nigerian, particularly our leaders, the belief that true progress comes from integrity. And I particularly believe that through our collective effort, we can build a Nigeria that is accountable, fair, and prosperous for all.”
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