Famed change agent, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, has stressed the need for all to join hands to kill corruption before it kills Nigeria.

The fiery activist, who is the President of Women Arise for Change, made a strong case for Nigerians to collectively rise against corruption while speaking at the recent 7th News Express Anniversary Lecture held at the Main Hall of Ikeja Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

Tracing the link between corruption and social ills, Okei-Odumakin, who chaired the high-profile event, warned that “the children of corrupt leaders educated abroad will return home to meet the under-privileged ones who had either become area boys or criminals, being a threat to their lives.” She noted that even the wealthy in the country are no longer safe despite the high walls protecting their homes.

Lamenting the pervasive nature of corruption in the country, the 2013 International Woman of Courage said: “You only need to spend a few days in Nigeria before you begin to feel the air of corruption at every layer of the society: from individuals and institutions, without exemption.”

Bemoaning the impact of corruption on the country, she observed that it has impoverished Nigeria, citing the absence of equipment in hospitals and educational institutions as examples.

She submitted that it is not power that corrupts Nigerians but that Nigerians are corrupting power; and that corruption fights back through blackmail, religion and ethnicism.

Beaming her searchlight beyond corruption, Okei-Odumakin berated the Federal Government for the low budget for education “which has led to millions of children being out of school, while privileged individuals are stacking billions in their bank accounts, building estates and mansions, at the expense of the masses.”

Held on Thursday, November 14, 2019, the 7th News Express Anniversary Lecture was headlined by the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 polls, Mr. Peter Obi, as the Special Guest of Honour and Guest Speaker. It featured two the keynote speakers, namely, Eminent Lawyer and celebrated Activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN; and Legal cum Development Expert, Barrister Bashir Maidugu, the Honourary Special Adviser (Infrastructure) to the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

The event was expertly hosted by veteran broadcaster and immediate past General Manager of NTA Channel 10 Lagos, Helen Onma Odeleye, who was supported by On-Air-Personality Melony of Nigeria’s only women-only station, WFM 91.7.

Airo and the Afroconcepts band supplied live music while comedian Papa B (real name Edwin Saviou) further livened up the event with his rib-cracking jokes. The Blood Pressure Control Foundation led by Dr. James Nwachukwu provided free blood pressure checks.

•Famed change agent, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin speaking at 7th News Express Anniversary Lecture . . . on Thursday Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos

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