The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has declared that corruption is the root of all criminal activities, urging all Nigerians to combat it collectively.
The ICPC Chairman who was given a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to fighting corruption in public service at the 2024 National Crimewatch Awards ceremony in Abuja stressed that corruption poses a severe threat to national security by undermining a nation’s stability, prosperity, and sovereignty.
Represented by the ICPC Deputy Director, Dr Oluwasina Babasola, at the award ceremony, he said, “Under Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu’s leadership, the ICPC has made significant strides in just a few months, earning respect and securing critical partnerships across Nigeria.”
Dr Babasola told the gathering comprising most military and para-military officers that the Commission would remain committed to minimizing corruption, expressing gratitude for the recognition, which he said would inspire further efforts.
The event’s convener, Mr Tony Okpe, stated that the awards aim to honour individuals and organizations dedicated to preventing crime, believing that such recognition fosters dialogue on national security and encourages the pursuit of a safer society.
Justifying the credibility of the awards, Mr. Okpe explained that recipients were selected based on feedback gathered from independent assessment questionnaires filled out by crime-beat journalists.
The National Crimewatch Awards have earned a prestigious reputation over their 21-year history for honouring exceptional contributions to national security.
Among this year’s awardees were prominent figures such as Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Police Operations, and Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, honoured as National Crimewatch Man of the Year.
Others included Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, was recognized for their lifetime achievements in national security and the fight against drug-related crimes.
