The Bauchi State Commissioner for information and communication, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, has reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the Association of Northern Nigerian Students (Zero Tolerance for Corruption) in the sustained fight against corruption.
The Commissioner made the pledge after being decorated as an Anti-Corruption Ambassador and conferred with the title of Grand Commander of Northern Nigerian Students (GCNNS) by the Association.
Speaking during the ceremony held in his office on Thursday, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman emphasised that corruption can only be effectively addressed when individuals first acknowledge its presence in society and take personal responsibility to confront it.
He noted that corruption cuts across all sectors and remained a major impediment to development.
He advocated for the inclusion of anti-corruption education in school curricula, describing it as a vital step toward instilling values of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct among young people from an early age.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the National Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has summoned State Commissioners of Information nationwide, urging them to play proactive roles in supporting the national anti-corruption drive.
He pledged the full support of state-owned media organisations, including Bauchi Television Authority (BATV), Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), and ten community radio stations, in sensitising the public on the dangers of corruption and the need for collective action to eradicate the menace.
Earlier, the President of the Association, Comrade Sadiq Sabo, presented the award certificate to the Commissioner, explaining that the honour was conferred purely on merit in recognition of his reputation, dedication, and contributions to the state, the nation, and the international community.
Comrade Sabo described Hon. Usman as a selfless and committed leader who has served Bauchi State both locally and in the diaspora, noting that he voluntarily returned from abroad to contribute to the development of his home state.
He also revealed that the Association has organised a series of school-based sensitisation programmes in collaboration with agencies such as the ICPC, EFCC, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), aimed at educating young people on the dangers of corruption and other social vices.
He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to combat corruption in all its forms.
