An NGO, the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, has unveiled 48 models of integrity in Nigeria, as part of its activities to curb corruption in the society.
The foundation identified and profiled 48 persons from both the formal and informal sector across Nigeria, who have demonstrated the virtue of integrity in their private and public conduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation, in partnership with the MacArthur foundation, since 2018 has been undertaking a wide-range of programmes.
The programmes targeted the training of religious and community leaders and youths, aimed at promoting integrity and fighting the menace of corruption in the Nigerian society.
The models were unveiled and presented awards on Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of foundation, Fr George Ehusani said that the move was necessary to encourage the inculcation of good values to members of the society especially the younger generation.
Ehusani said that it was gratifying to know th
at there were many men and women, who remain committed to upholding the principles of integrity in a society where corrupt practices have become the norm.
He said that to live such a lifestyle required enormous sacrifices and self control as such persons faced constant persecution.
He said that the event was aimed at celebrating the models for their outstanding qualities in the society, who he described as a beacon of hope in the country.
According to him, the models who are within the ages of 30 to 70, are a source of hope that Nigeria will be liberated from the shackles of corruption.
‘Many of them do not attract public attention, but in their diverse callings and engagements, they command admiration as men and women of positive influence,’ he said.
Ehusani described corruption as a social pandemic which has eaten deep into the fabric of the society, and has made Nigeria regarded as one of the corrupt nations in the world.
He said that every nation must strive to sustain its corporate existence, throu
gh inculcating good values to prevent it from being dysfunctional.
In her remarks, Dr Amina Salihu, the Deputy Director of the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria, thanked the leadership foundation for partnering with them in advocating for accountability in society through integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
She said that MacArthur supports Nigeria -led efforts efforts in combating corruption.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer of Connected Development (CODE), thanked the foundation for honouring them and acknowledging their resolve not to be involved in corrupt practices.
He assured them that they would remain models of integrity and urged Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, not to be influenced to deviate from good moral values.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria