By Dipo Olowookere
President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for his solid commitment shown in confronting corruption in the country and across the African Union (AU).
In July 2017, the African Union unanimously endorsed the appointment of President Buhari as its anti-corruption champion.
The Nigerian President, who has introduced a zero tolerance policy on corruption in his own administration, is expected to lead an African Union summit on anti-corruption next year.
Commenting, the UNODC said this appointment is a welcome recognition of President Buhari’s own efforts against corruption in Nigeria, and a sign of Africa’s determination to rid itself of a crime that blights development and progress.
In a statement, the UNODC said it remains a staunch ally of Nigeria and the African Union and expresses the hope that fighting corruption will lead to greater economic growth and prosperity for all African people.
Nigeria, along with dozens of other countries, will take part in the Seventh Session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption, to be held from November 6-10, 2017.
The conference brings together over 1,000 representatives of member states, academics, anti-corruption practitioners, and civil society to discuss how to tackle corruption.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya