By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Civil Society/Media Accountability and Anti-corruption Initiative (CSMAI), a network of CSOs and media practitioners', has unveiled key directorates and action plans to combat corruption and system strengthening in Anambra State.
CSMAI, a programme of Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) Phase II, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), was established on August 24h, 2024 to amplify citizens’ voices, provide independent monitoring of government operations, advocate for policy reforms, and enhance public awareness on anti-corruption issues.
The group at an inaugural meeting held virtually on Wednesday which was presided over by the Team Lead, Ugochi Freeman, also stressed their commitment towards collaborating with other like-minded local and international organisations with a view to mitigating corruption to a barest minimum in Anambra State.
According to Freeman, the Directorates which included Media and Publicity, Policy and Strategy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Linkages and Partnerships, Secretariat and ICT, would through a collaborative efforts ensure that their 3 months action plans were successfully implemented and possibly amend to extend to one year.
The action plans adopted at the programme marshalled out timelines, including various means they hoped to combat crimes in the State like increased advocacy to relevant ministries, department, agencies and stakeholders,
She said they would on 9th December, 2024 celebrate World Day against Anti-corruption with a walk and symposium in partnership with ANSAC, SSTDI, RoLAC and others, as well as strengthen relationships and understanding towards promoting anti corruption policies, programs, and laws using the media and public enlightenment campaigns.
Freeman further called on all stakeholders to support the Network in achieving its goals and objectives.
The meeting also commended the State Coordinator of RoLAC, Mrs Josephine Onah, while resolving to complement ongoing anti-corruption efforts by the Anambra State Government, including the Anti-Corruption Committee and Service Delivery Transparency Initiative, with a focus on eradicating corruption to enhance service delivery.
Other highlights of the meeting were unveiling of the interim committee of the network led by Ugochi Freeman who is also representing CSO together with Samuel Ololo; Ugochukwu Okeke representing people with disabilities (PWDs) and Alfred Ajayi and Ify Unachukwu representing the media.