In spite of the criticisms from the federal government challenging activities of the
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, the body has challenged Nigerians to consider playing active roles in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
At an interactive session on promoting collective action against corruption and management in the water and health sectors, held in Lagos, Deputy Director, SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, maintained that water is as important as life itself.
Oluwadare emphasized that both water and health are paramount to the existence of man and cannot be separated.
According to Oluwadare, “The effect of corruption is being felt by all Nigerians and the need to confront the same cannot be overemphasized.”
While the interactive session lasted, participants on their part charged Nigerians to intensify the grassroots campaign, as well as create more awareness to stand against bad governance.
They have also noted that fear and greed must be eliminated among youths so that they don’t end up aiding corrupt leaders in the country.
The participants, which included leaders of notable Civil Society Organizations, CSO, and students from various institutions, also identified some challenges that are affecting the water and health sector in the country.
During the forum, corruption, impact of climate change and migration of professionals in the health sectors are said to be part of the reasons the Nigerian health and water sector are not thriving as it ought to be, despite how blessed the country is.
Proferring solutions to the barrage of challenges confronting the two sectors, participants at the occasion said that the health sector should be empowered to avoid international migration on the part of the professionals and all citizens should be well involved in massive advocacy, invest more and mobilize citizens.
Part of the action points during the forum is that citizens’ engagement must be encouraged in budget planning, while the youths are also encouraged to have a changed orientation and work against bad governance.
