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A university don and activist Prof. Philips Okolo of the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) has said that corruption as and abuse of entrusted power for private gain is part of the woes of Nigeria.
The erudite professor said corruption happens in both public and private sectors, saying it’s not limited to government officials alone but cut across all spheres of the society.
Prof. Okolo stated this during the 62nd Inaugural Lecture of the Niger Delta University with the title,
“Corruption, Governance and Development: Nigeria is Secure”.
According to him, there are various
forms of corruptions which he listed as petty corruption which has to do with everyday abuse of power by low-level officials, grand corruption which he said is systematic, and high-level political corruption.
Other forms of corruption he identified are political corruption which has to do with manipulating policies, institutions, or rules of procedure and
Bureaucratic corruption which he said is a corruption in civil service and administration.
He said corruption persist in Nigeria because of bad governance.
The varsity don said governance on the other hand is about how decisions are made, how power is used, and how institutions function, stressing that good governance involves transparency, accountability, participation, and justice.
Okolo posited that , governance is actually the problem of Nigeria.
Speaking further he said in terms of security, Nigeria is secure, adding that security is not just military strength but that ut includes economic opportunity, justice, trust in institutions, and freedom from fear.
In terms of economic security, Prof. Okolo described Nigerian youths as resilient, entrepreneurial, and digitally savvy, saying that the state must enable them with supportive policies.
“The path to secure and safe Nigeria is not solely rested on eradication of corruption. But I am saying that Nigeria has a governance deficit, governance was supposed to actually provide development and also to provide how corruption should be minimized and without this, it means there is governance failure,” he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Prof Allen Agih reiterated the importance of inaugural lectures in the university community as a means of inspiration, and mentorship to students , colleagues and the broader community, highlighting the importance of academic pursuits and research.
He stated that , it was an opportunity to celebrate Prof Okolo’s promotion.
“The inaugural lecture provides an opportunity for Prof Philips Okolo to share his research insights , and perspectives with the academic community and beyond,” he stated.
