By Monday Danladi
All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) in Collaboration with the African Union (AU) has organised the 2025 commemoration of the African Union Anti-Corruption Day with the aim of creating awareness on negative impacts of corruption in the society.
Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Mercy John, in her welcome address, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather in observance of the African Union Anti-Corruption Day, which is held annually on the 11th of July as organised by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC).
She called on all participants to take the lead in combating corruption, both within places of worship and in the wider society and emphasized that everyone has a responsibility to advocate for integrity and righteousness wherever they find themselves.
Alhaji Abdullahi Haruna Akuyan, representing Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), stated that he was delighted to be part of the programme.
He lamented Nigeria’s ranking as the 140th most corrupt country out of 180 in the world and noted that corruption often begins within the family and insisted that for the nation to move forward, individuals must expose corruption at all levels, starting from their homes.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), ably represented by Rev. Promise Yohanna, described corruption as the greatest threat to society.
He stressed the importance of strengthening systems of accountability and called on everyone to rise and reject all forms of corruption in every aspect of life.
Pastor Mrs. Gladys Mbami commended the AACC for dedicating July 11th to commemorate the African Union’s Anti-Corruption Day.
She stated that corruption is rooted in greed and selfishness, and urged religious leaders to be transparent, accountable, and trustworthy in their service to God and humanity.
Mr. Kenneth Haruna Silas, representing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), remarked that every form of unwanted behavior is a manifestation of corruption.
He assured the audience that the doors of the ICPC are always open to receive reports from citizens regarding any observed corrupt practices.
The first speaker, Alhaji Mohammed U. Hussain, quoted from Chapter 4, Verse 5 of the Qur’an, warning against corruption. He explained that Islam categorizes corruption into financial, administrative, and social domains.
He emphasized that corruption attracts divine punishment, as nothing is hidden from the Creator just as he identified accountability, transparency, justice, and trustworthiness as the solutions to corruption, which must begin from the home.
Elder Ambassador Abel Musa spoke from a Christian perspective and cited Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.”
He stated that poverty is often a result of corruption and acknowledged that many individuals; including those in institutions meant to fight corruption, are themselves complicit.
He called for the strengthening of the judiciary, the elimination of political interference, and the rejection of tribal favoritism and religious bigotry, especially in defense of corrupt individuals from one’s ethnic or religious group.
Engineer Dr. Jumna emphasized that, according to the teachings of Islam, Allah will not change the condition of a people unless they change their own attitude.
He encouraged participants not to lose hope, urging everyone to make an impact, no matter how small, as Allah will reward honest efforts.
Rev. Matthew Wakili Laslimbo, the Bauchi State Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), expressed deep appreciation to the All Africa Conference of Churches and the African Union for their support in making the event a success. He also thanked all participants for their presence and active engagement.
He concluded by urging everyone to take the discussions seriously and reminded them that the change we desire must begin with us.
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