The Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), has declared its readiness to collaborate with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), in a strategic move to curb corruption across Ministries, Directorates, and Agencies (MDAs), in the state.
This commitment was expressed during a courtesy visit by the Acting State Director of the CCB, Oyo State Branch, Amao Bolaji, to the OYACA office in Ibadan on Friday.
Welcoming the CCB team, the Chair person of OYACA, Hon. Justice Eni Esan (rtd), represented by the Executive Secretary, Barr. Ibrahim Tijani E., emphasised the agency’s dedication to upholding public morality and accountability in government affairs.
According to Esan, OYACA’s mandate aligns with the principles of transparency and ethical conduct in government dealings, as outlined by the OYACA Law of 2019.
She noted that since its inauguration by Governor Seyi Makinde on December 22, 2020, OYACA has successfully investigated and concluded over 466 petitions on corruption, resulting in the recovery of substantial amounts from defaulting contractors and fraudulent civil servants.
“It is our pleasure to host you today. We appreciate your decision to engage with OYACA and interact with our management staff. We are aware of your agency’s mandate under the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which emphasises high standards of public morality and accountability. OYACA shares this commitment and has been proactive in addressing corruption at various levels of government,” Esan remarked.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements, she revealed that OYACA had assisted individuals defrauded by civil servants to recover their funds, while also ensuring that contractors who failed to meet obligations returned government resources.
She added that OYACA conducts regular public sensitisation and advocacy programs aimed at countering corruption and promoting integrity in public service.
Esan further expressed OYACA’s readiness to partner with the CCB in enforcing compliance with asset declarations and other ethical standards among public officers.
“We are committed to working with the CCB to enhance enforcement and ensure that public officers adhere strictly to the code of conduct,” she added.
In response, the CCB Acting State Director, Amao Bolaji, applauded OYACA’s efforts and affirmed the Bureau’s commitment to collaboration.
He explained that asset declaration remains the primary tool of CCB in tracking public officers’ assets before and after their time in office, emphasizing that such collaboration would facilitate information sharing, particularly asset details of officers under OYACA investigation.
“Our Bureau is prepared to work with OYACA to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. The synergy between our agencies will undoubtedly foster a corruption-free society,” Bolaji stated.
Present at the meeting were Pastor Folasade Ajibade, Director of ICT; Mr. Azeez Tajudeen, Director of Finance and Administration; Wasiu Alimi, Director of Administration and Supply; and Olayanju Eto-Abasi, the Chief Legal Officer of OYACA, among others.
