Five finalists have emerged for the 2019 Integrity Icon campaign. They are Kacheilom Betram-Roberts Ndukwe, CSP. Francis Erhabor, Tina Odinakachi Iirmdu, Christian Ngozi Ahiauzu and Tani Ali Nimlan.

They emerged from a pool of nominees recently unveiled during an impressive ceremony in Abuja by the organisers, Accountability Lab Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Sam Emenogu, Programme Officer at Accountability Lab Nigeria, said: “This event presents an opportunity to let Nigerians know that there are still persons of integrity in the Nigerian civil service. The campaign also seeks to drive conversations between the media, civil society organisations (CSOs), the government and citizens about integrity in the workplace.”

Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, told attendees at the event that people needed civil service heroes to look up to. “We need people to stand up and take action.

“We just need people to stand up and do the right thing. We know the society we’re in and for you to stand for integrity it takes a lot and you need to be brave. The work we do is always in partnership and collaboration with government agencies, civil society organisations, and citizens because national development requires all stakeholders to commit to building a nation we are all proud to live in.”

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Carl-Michael Grans, said during his opening remarks: “What you do as an Integrity Icon is really crucial for a successful government in any country. Spreading democracy is a top priority for the Swedish government; promoting accountability, transparency and fighting corruption is really key for democratic development.” He also said that the media have a central part to play in the push for democracy.

The Integrity Icon campaign is currently in its third year, having been launched in 2017. So far, the campaign has identified a total of 15 Integrity Icons across the Nigerian civil service who are shining examples of what it means to be an upright public official. The campaign seeks to foster collaboration with the media in telling the stories of these icons in order to re-imagine the civil service.

The Integrity Icon Nigeria summit and Awards Ceremony is slated for January 20 and 21, 2020.