By Alexandra Oladipo
The Director General and Chief Executive, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has described corruption a major threat to national development, saying it is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of human society.
He made this statement while declaring open a sensitization program organized by NASRDA’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The NASRDA boss who was represented by the Director Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, charged the management team to remain steadfast in ensuring that corruption does not infiltrate the Agency.
He emphasized that ethical discipline and integrity must be upheld at all levels to achieve a corruption-free NASRDA.
He acknowledged the theme of the event, “Resolving Attitudinal Issues and Ethical Dilemma for an Effective Workplace,” as a crucial topic that must be strategically addressed in every organization to drive sustainable progress.
According to him, NASRDA aligns with the Federal Government’s stance on sanitizing the public sector, and efforts must be intensified to ensure the Agency remains corruption-free.
Dr. Adepoju further assured that every past misconception about the Country will be corrected as Agencies like NASRDA are fully committed to working with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to strengthen accountability and transparency.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of NASRDA’s ACTU, Barrister Wale Momoh, highlighted the significance of the sensitization program, stating that corruption remains a challenge in the public sector, and efforts must be in place by relevant stakeholders to mitigate its effects in our society.
He emphasized that ACTU is not established to witch-hunt anyone but to serve as a guiding mechanism to position NASRDA among the most reputable Government institutions in the Country.
In her presentation, the guest speaker, Mrs Mutiat Musa, explained that corruption is not only restricted to financial fraud but extends to procedural inadequacies, poor attitude towards work and maladministration among other factors.
Mrs. Musa, a Deputy Director at ICPC, emphasized that principles play a crucial role in shaping employees’ attitudes, which significantly impact productivity and workplace morale.
She noted that negative attitudes such as resistance to change, lack of motivation, and workplace conflicts can significantly hinder an organization’s success.
In her contribution, the Director International Cooperation and Linkages, Mrs Lami Fadiora who appreciated the commitment of the organizers, guest speaker and participants at the program, described the idea of fighting corruption as a welcomed development especially for any system that wants to experience transformation.
She added that as directors and members of the Agency’s management team, efforts will be made to abide by the principles of anti corruption for the betterment of the Agency and the Country at large.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the NASRDA’s whistleblower policy for the staff and stakeholders and corruption prevention guide by the representative of the Director General.
