Osinbajo due in Paris for Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum
By Kemi Kasumu
Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) will be attending the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD’s) Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum holding in Paris this week from March 30-31.
Concerned that “corruption and abuse of public office are a blight on democracies and a drain on public finances and with trust in government flagging,” the OECD forum brings together global leaders, Government ministers, business leaders and civil society representatives to discuss issues “including the cost to society of corruption, the use of political donations to buy influence, developments in corporate liability for graft, and the role of export controls to counter bribery.”
This was disclosed Wednesday in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande.
According to the statement, “The Vice President, who is one of the featured speakers at the global conference will be leaving Abuja later today (Wednesday), after participating in the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.
“During the conference, Prof. Osinbajo would hold bilateral talks with the Secretary-General of the organisation Angel Gurria to review and explore relationship between Nigeria and the body including how to further strengthen mutual cooperation in the areas such as good governance, integrity and anti-corruption efforts.
“Founded in 1961, OECD’s mission includes the attainment of global economic development through supporting sustainable economic growth, boosting employment, raising living standards, contributing to the growth of world trade and maintaining financial stability among other objectives.
“While in Paris, the Vice President will also hold a number of meetings with the French Minister Mr. Bernard Cazeneuve.
“He is expected back in Abuja by weekend,” Mr. Akande said in the statement.
