Abuja- The Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, has urged leaders in all sections of the society to show exemplary transparency and accountability in the performance of their duties.
Onolememen gave the advice while addressing members of staff of the ministry at a forum organised to mark World International Anti-Corruption Day on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said those in public service must always ensure that services rendered to the public were delivered transparently, accountabIly and with value for money.
He urged all leaders irrespective of their standings in the society to conduct themselves as role models who are committed to contributing their service for the well-being of all.
“I urge all of us, whether high or low-ranking, to see ourselves as leaders in our own various rights.
“We should see ourselves as role models who must make conscious efforts to leave a better environment than the one we met.
“Obeying the law may be very important but obeying the good counsel of our consciences to always do good and the right thing all the time is even better,” he said.
Onolememen noted that the war against corruption required individual and collective efforts of all Nigerians as it could not be left for government to fight alone.
“As individuals, it does not matter how long we have condoned or perpetrated corruption. What is important is the effort we make to shun and end it.
“We must leave Nigeria in a better state for our children yet unborn to enjoy and be thankful that their forebears bequeath a corruption-free and equitable environment to them,”Onolememen said.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Dauda Kigbu, said: “Individually and collectively, we all have the responsibility to address corruption by patriotically discharging our duties with transparency and accountability.
“I expect that this ceremony will impact positively on the ministry’s efforts to provide adequate facilities for Nigerians.’’
The staff of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency attended the forum where papers were presented on how to check corruption. (NAN)