The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has identified corruption as the root cause of all criminal activities and called on Nigerians to unite in combating it.
Dr. Aliyu, who received a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to fighting corruption in public service at the 2024 National Crimewatch Awards in Abuja, emphasised that corruption poses a significant threat to national security, undermining a nation’s stability, prosperity, and sovereignty.
Represented by the ICPC Deputy Director, Dr. Oluwasina Babasola, at the event, he said, “Under Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu’s leadership, the ICPC has made significant strides in just a few months, earning respect and securing critical partnerships across Nigeria.”
Addressing an audience of military and paramilitary officers, Dr. Babasola reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to reducing corruption and expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it would inspire continued efforts.
The convener of the event, Mr. Tony Okpe, highlighted that the awards aim to honour individuals and organisations committed to crime prevention, fostering dialogue on national security, and encouraging efforts towards a safer society.
Justifying the credibility of the awards, Mr. Okpe noted that recipients were chosen based on independent assessment questionnaires completed by crime-beat journalists.
The National Crimewatch Awards, now in their 21st year, have gained a prestigious reputation for recognising exceptional contributions to national security.
This year’s honourees included notable figures such as Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Police Operations, and Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, named as the National Crimewatch Man of the Year.
Other awardees included Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, acknowledged for their lifetime achievements in national security and combating drug-related crimes.