Stakeholders Pledge Support for FG's Anti-graft, Security Awareness Campaigns

Key stakeholders on Saturday pledged their support for the Federal Government's ongoing campaigns against corruption and insecurity, as well as the soon-to-be launched national re-orientation campaign tagged 'Change Begins With Me'.

The stakeholders, including the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and the Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN), made the pledge during separate meetings with the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Lagos on Saturday.

The Minister briefed each of the assocations on the campaigns, saying the National Security Awareness Campaign was aimed at rallying the support of Nigerians for the war against terror and educating them on what Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) look like as well as the mannerisms of suicide bombers.

He said the campaign, which was launched in December 2015, had gone a long way in ensuring that Nigerians own the war, in addition to supporting the military which has played its part in degrading the capacity of Boko Haram to execute spectacular attacks.

On the National Sensitization Campaign Against Corruption, which was launched in January 2016, Alhaji Mohammed said it was aimed at alerting Nigerians to the evils of corruption, with a view to gaining their support for the ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to fight the menace.

He said the government has decided to highlight the cost of corruption to the lives of ordinary Nigerians, instead of talking about it in the abstract, adding that by mentioning the figures of looted public funds, the government has no intention of villifying anyone.

The Minister also told the stakeholders that the government will soon launch the National Re-Orientation Campaign, which is aimed at achieving a paradigm shift in the attitude of Nigerians, especially in the areas of discipline, respect for time, attitude to work and the general attitude of the citizenry, irrespective of their levels in the society.

''These campaigns are extensive and expensive, and the government alone cannot foot the bill. We seek your support to assist us. In return, the government will provide the enabling environment for all the members of the associations to thrive in their various businesses,'' he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said running successful campaigns will be a win-win situation for the government and the stakeholders, since a well-secured country that is free of corruption will enhance the productivity of businesses, in addition to the fact that they will also benefit when their workers are more punctual and more committed to their duties.

ADVAN President David Okeme assured the Minister of his association's support, saying: ''Your campaigns are very holistic. We will stand solidly behind you and take the message to our members.''

For his part, the President of OAAN, Mr. Tunder Adedoyin, told the Minister: ''We are ready to work with you.''

EMCOAN President Deborah Odutayo presented to the Minister her association's recommendations and suggestions for its collaboration with the government.

Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Lagos
Feb. 6th 2016