Netherlands Varsity Researchers Visit Dokubo-Asari

Adhere to Code of Ethics at Workplace, NiMet DG Charges Staff

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has charged members of staff of the agency to work towards creating a workplace where ethical conduct is the norm.

Prof. Anosike made the charge yesterday in Abuja at the launch of the agency’s Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy and Code of Ethics.

He noted that the principles of ethics, integrity and accountability are the foundation for any successful organisation.

These, he said, form the bedrock of any meteorological organisation’s credibility and effectiveness, stating: “Upholding these values would go a long way in building trust with our clients and stakeholders.”

According to him, “They would also help in ensuring that NiMet as an agency actualises its mandate by contributing to national socio-economic development and safety of lives and property.”

Professor Anosike, while welcoming guests from the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other resource persons to the event, said that their presence reaffirms the collaborative spirit between NiMet and the ICPC in the collective fight against corruption.

He added that their presence underscored their commitment to institutionalize ethics and integrity in the public service.

While presenting the NiMet Code of Ethics and Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy, Anosike said: “These documents represent our unwavering commitment to ethical conduct and our determination to combat corruption at all levels.

“As we unveil these documents today, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where ethical behaviour is a culture, and corruption has no place.

“The Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy is a firm declaration of NiMet’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption.

“This position is vital as corruption is not only capable of undermining the effectiveness of our services and realisation of our goals, but could also erode public trust in the critical work we do.”

He further said that the policy details the agency’s mechanisms to prevent, detect, and address any form of bribery and corruption, adding: “It sends a clear message that NiMet is committed to transparency and accountability in all its operations.”

Anosike, however, said that all staff members were therefore expected to embrace and adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct as stipulated in the NiMet code of ethics and Anti-corruption and Bribery Policy.

Similarly, the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), in his remarks, thanked the management and staff of NiMet for launching the NiMet Code of Ethics and Anti-corruption and Bribery Policy.

He said: “We are highly impressed with the working environment we have seen at NiMet.”

Aliyu, represented by Mr. Charles Nwosu, said that ICPC was grateful to Anosike for making himself available for the event.

Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari recently welcomed a visiting research team from the esteemed University of Groningen, located in the Netherlands, to his residence in Obuama, Rivers State. 

The University of Groningen, with a rich history spanning over four centuries, prides itself on excellence and has been associated with notable figures like Nobel Prize Laureates Ben Feringa and Frits Zernike.

The university is renowned for its groundbreaking research that addresses contemporary social issues, bridging the gap between various fields of study and connecting science with society. Their current research areas include Energy, Healthy Ageing, and Sustainable Society, with recent studies focusing on topics such as environmental sustainability, conscious living, and the impact of climate change on wildlife.

According to a statement, led by Dr. Dumebi Obute, the visiting team from the University of Groningen is conducting a comparative study on resource extraction, its environmental implications, and the adaptive strategies of indigenous communities affected by extensive resource exploitation.

The statement noted that their journey has taken them to various parts of Africa, including South Africa, Zambia, and Nigeria, to investigate large-scale extraction industries like mining and crude oil production.

It said: “Recognising Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari’s prominent role in advocating  resource control and environmental preservation in the Niger Delta region, the research team sought his expertise and insights. Dokubo-Asari, known for his global advocacy on these interconnected issues, was seen as a valuable source of historical knowledge and practical experiences in handling resource-related challenges.”

“The collaboration between Dokubo-Asari and the University of Groningen holds the potential to inform global resource policies, promoting the well-being of indigenous communities impacted by resource extraction activities. By integrating historical context and local perspectives, this research aims to contribute to more sustainable and equitable resource management practices worldwide.”