Accountability Lab has honoured Ministry Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government and individuals who stood against corrupt practices while discharging their duties in the public service.

The five integrity icons, Nkwada Ogechukwu from Government secondary school Ebonyi state, Catherine Ogunjebi, head of legal services, Ondo state contributory health commission, Lois Akut, a medical doctor in Kaduna state, Wodi Seiyefa, A lecturer in Bayelsa state and Ogundare Samuel, a director bureau of public procurement in Ondo state were rewarded on Thursday in Abuja.

Speaking, the Labs Programs and Learning Manager, Ehi Idakwo disclosed that the five integrity icons been honoured stood for the truth and unwavering in their commitment to the cause of integrity. “These are not distant heroes, they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things, choosing principle over profit, truth over convenience.” She added.

Idakwo regretted that studies has consistently revealed that Nigerians often engage in unlawful and corrupt practices despite knowing their illegality, simply because they believe others are doing the same, maintaining that the body subscribes to the social learning theory, positing that social behavior is acquired by observing and imitating others.

She said the body will leverage its Integrity Icons and strategic behavioural messaging to debunk false beliefs and attitudes driving corrupt practices in the country.

“Accountability Lab Nigeria believes in the power of social learning. We believe that by witnessing integrity, by seeing ourselves reflected in the stories of our Icons, we can collectively shift norms and behaviors.

“A critical aspect that ties all these positive stories together is the shared core value of “Integrity.” This year, our volunteers across 36 states received an overwhelming 2,628 nominations, marking a 60 percent increase from last year’s submissions.

“However, our field volunteers report a sobering reality – corruption tends to breed more corruption, eroding societal values of fairness, honesty, integrity, and a shared sense of citizenship and prevailing sense of distrust among citizens towards government institutions and anti-corruption initiatives. (The Guardian)

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