My honesty earned me the Integrity Icon Award- Journalist

…Awarders debunk speculations of bribery for considerations as Accountability Lab Nigeria calls for nominations for the 2020 Integrity Icon Awards.

By Amadin Idahosa

A Journalist working with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Mrs. Adewunmi Bukola Lydia, says it was “Honesty” that earned her the 2018 Integrity Icon Award.

Mrs. Adewunmi Bukola Lydia

The award which is organized by the Accountability Lab Nigeria, is given to deserving public Servants who exhibit honesty and integrity in their work place.
The Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, played host to both Mrs. Adewunmi and the Communication Officers from Accountability Lab Nig.,

Prince Chimaroke Chukwuka and Samuel Emenongu

Prince Chimaroke Chukwuka and Samuel Emenongu, during its Live Public Conscience Programme on Radio.
Engaging Bukola on her reactions after winning, she said there was no prior knowledge of the award procedures, noting that she also had no idea that there were platforms recognizing the effort of honest Nigerians working with integrity and diligence.


She encouraged Nigerians to be truthful in their daily conducts, saying, “The work of Integrity, and accountability begins with the individual,’’ while further calling for a change in the “I don’t care attitude of Nigerians’’.
Speaking on the qualities considered before nominations, Mr. Samuel of Accountability Lab, said they look at nominees that kick against corruption, especially scrutinizing those faced with everyday opportunity to compromise but eventually resist.


According to him, the award is strictly for public servants, but made mention of the possibility of featuring non-civil servants if the need arises, noting there are already plans to issue certificates of recognition to Exceptional Nigerians outside of the public service who have outstanding honest attitude.


He revealed that 407 nominations were received in 2018 as against 218 in the previous year, adding that in 2019, they’ve started receiving nominations from the Police, NAFDAC and other similar government institutions.
Meanwhile, his colleague, Chimaroke, requested that citizens send names of prospective award recipients to www.cutt.ly-/iin2020 for considerations or to text this number- 08053583402, while emphasizing that public servants who are five years into service and those having up to 5 years before retirement are strongly recommendable.


As the programme progressed, several persons called like Mr. Adewunmi, Comrade Immadede and Mr. Akin, to nominate persons they perceive as honest.
Also, Martins from Dutse, commended the guest, Bukola, stating that her message of honesty has encouraged most Nigerians to tell the truth, adding that, personally, he never yielded to temptations by friends.
Abdullahi, who called from life camp, suggested the Lab include other sectors aside government, saying it would improve their morality towards being good and honest.


Uchenna from Gwagwalada explained that there are backgrounds/cultures that enable people to either say the truth or do otherwise, while an anonymous caller who corroborated Uchenna’s viewpoint, said he was denied his salary for being honest in a transaction.


PRIMORG, however, advised the Nigerian Citizens never to be discouraged by certain setbacks experienced in reporting corruption and to remain honest regardless of the daily encounter with corruption.

Amadin  Idahosa

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