The MacArthur Foundation in conjunction with Mambayya House Center for Democratic Studies, Bayero University, Kano have begun community engagements on the ills of corruption in the society.
Reports have that the focus was on changing behaviours in the way people look at corruption so as to instill the virtues of accountability in all aspects of life.
The engagement, held on Saturday in Kaduna, had in attendance people from various communities in Kaduna North, Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
In his remarks, Mr Samson Auta of Interfaith Mediation Centre, working under the foundation’s Accountability Project 2021-2024, said the aim of the engagement was to conscientise the public on the effects of corrupt practices at various levels.
Auta said that the participants were expected to take the message back to their communities, so that a greater part of the people will understand the dangers of corruption and contribute to ending the practice.
He said that a corruption free society was imperative for the progress of any country.
Auta urged all participants to shun vote buying and selling and vote only for people they trust, and think can offer good governance for the development of their localities.
A facilitator, Mr Lawal Magaji, said communities must inculcate good moral values in their children,to ensure better and prosperous future for all.
Magaji said corruption not only deter development from reaching the grassroots, but also have negative effects on good governance.
On his part, Mr Bernard Musa of Conflict Mitigation and Management Centre, said community members must take interest in governance, so as to track government projects and financial spending.
He added that people at the grassroots should always engage their leaders and demand for explanation on how public resources were utilised.
WITHIN NIGERIA reports that the participants agreed to mobilise their community members in order to bring about the changes they desire.
They also agreed that the change should start within them and their families, while religious leaders should continuously preach against corruption and the imperative of accountability.
The participants said appropriate structures should be set up at community level to ensure coordinated campaign against corruption.