THE National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has called for the strengthening of institutions and a nationwide attitudinal shift to effectively combat corruption in Nigeria.
Ribadu made this call, speaking through the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, during the 9th Oba Sikiru Adetona Annual Professorial Lecture at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.
The lecture, themed “Corruption and National Security: Impacts and Consequences,” highlighted how corruption erodes public trust, weakens institutions, and diverts crucial national resources.
“You cannot address Nigeria’s insecurity without confronting corruption,” Ribadu noted. “From diverted military funds to compromised procurement processes, corruption undermines national capacity.”
He emphasized that merely reacting to corruption with arrests and prosecutions is inadequate. Instead, Ribadu called for preventive measures through strong systems, ethical leadership, and active citizen involvement.
“Corruption is not limited to government; it involves the people as well,” he said. “We must build a culture and system that makes corruption difficult, if not impossible.”
On national security, Ribadu stated that over 160,000 Boko Haram insurgents have surrendered, more than 300 commanders have been eliminated, and about 2,500 rehabilitated and reintegrated. He credited these results to Nigeria’s superior firepower and growing collaboration across sectors.
The NSA commended the Federal Government’s inclusive approach to security, calling on all stakeholders—traditional leaders, civil society, women, youths, and tech partners—to support national efforts.
Ribadu also paid glowing tribute to Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, describing him as a principled, courageous, and visionary monarch committed to transparency, education, and good governance.
Others who spoke in honour of the monarch, who recently turned 91, included Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun (represented by Education Commissioner Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu), OOU Pro-Chancellor Oluwatoyin Ashiru, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deji Agboola. They praised Oba Adetona’s legacy, particularly his philanthropic contributions to education and nation-building.
The event was part of activities marking the 91st birthday of Oba Adetona—reputed to be the world’s oldest and longest-reigning monarch.
