ICPC Moves to Partner Deaf Community in Anti-Corruption Drive

ICPC Moves to Partner Deaf Community in Anti-Corruption Drive

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) as part of its inclusive strategy to fight corruption and safeguard citizens’ rights.

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by the Commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Demola Bakare, made the pledge in Abuja on Wednesday while delivering a goodwill message at the NNAD National Convention.

“Part of our mandate at ICPC is to ensure that all Nigerians have access to government services. Each year, we monitor public projects to ensure they are delivered on time and according to specifications, so that no citizen is denied their rights,” Dr. Aliyu said.

He urged NNAD to adopt sign language in spreading the anti-corruption message to its members and communities, stressing that corruption remained one of the greatest threats to citizens’ rights.

“ICPC is doing its best to fight it, but it cannot do it alone. That is why we take the anti-corruption message everywhere we go,” he added.

Highlighting the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2020, Aliyu said its core values of “Human Dignity and Voice & Participation” aligned with NNAD’s mission of promoting inclusivity and equal access.

Earlier, NNAD President, Hon. Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, restated the association’s commitment to breaking communication barriers and called for the mainstreaming of Nigerian Sign Language.

Chairman of the occasion, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, commended the resilience of the deaf community and pledged support for stronger frameworks to guarantee equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.