The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called for a unified national effort to combat corruption, describing it as the root cause of all criminal activities. He made this statement during the 2024 National Crimewatch Awards held in Abuja, where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized that corruption poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s national security, undermining the country’s stability, prosperity, and sovereignty. His remarks were conveyed by the Commission’s Deputy Director, Dr. Oluwasina Babasola, who represented him at the event.
“Under Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu’s leadership, the ICPC has achieved significant milestones and earned widespread respect and strategic partnerships across Nigeria in just a few months,” Dr. Babasola noted, according to a statement by Demola Bakare, the Commission’s Spokesperson and Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education.
Addressing an audience that included military and para-military officers, Dr. Babasola reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to eradicating corruption and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He said the award would motivate the Commission to continue its efforts in promoting good governance.
The event’s convener, Mr. Tony Okpe, explained that the awards aimed to honor individuals and organizations dedicated to crime prevention, with the goal of fostering national security discussions and encouraging a safer society. He further highlighted that the awardees were selected based on independent assessments conducted by crime-beat journalists.
“The National Crimewatch Awards have earned a prestigious reputation over their 21-year history for honoring exceptional contributions to national security,” Mr. Okpe said.
This year’s recipients included notable figures such as Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Police Operations, and Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, who was named National Crimewatch Man of the Year. Others honored were 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, for their lifetime achievements in national security and the fight against drug-related crimes.
