By Simeon OSAJIE
The National Advocacy Forum on Ethical Leadership and Accountability in Organisations and Society has urged government institutions to enhance governance frameworks, implement robust accountability measures, uphold the rule of law, and maintain a steadfast commitment to ethical leadership and public service.
This appeal was made in a communique signed by Dr. Peter Egielewa and Prof. Miracle Ajah, the Coordinator and Secretary of the Organizing Committee.
The call emerged from a training programme held on July 2, 2026, at the Daughters of Divine Love Congregation (DRACC) Centre in Lugbe, Abuja, which was collaboratively organized by ELIF Master Trainers, Globethics, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), ELIF Senior Trainers, and various ELIF Training Organisations.
Acknowledging the critical role of ethical leadership in fostering sustainable development, the Forum emphasizes the need for institutional integrity and accountability.
Recognising that ethical leadership is indispensable to sustainable development, institutional effectiveness, social cohesion and national progress, the Forum deliberated on prevailing challenges affecting governance and accountability, including corruption, abuse of power, weak accountability mechanisms, ethical misconduct, impunity and declining public trust, and further reflected on practical experiences, lessons learned, success stories and emerging opportunities for promoting integrity and responsible leadership across all sectors of society.
The Forum observed that ethical leadership plays a vital role in promoting good governance, maintaining institutional integrity and supporting long-term sustainable development, etc.
The Forum also observed that artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies present significant opportunities for improving governance, but they must be deployed responsibly, transparently, and in ways that respect human dignity and ethical values.
While urging the Civil Society and Faith-Based Organisations to continue promoting integrity, social accountability, civic engagement and ethical values while amplifying the voices of citizens and vulnerable communities, the Forum call on the private sector to uphold ethical business practices, strengthen corporate governance and contribute actively to national efforts aimed at building transparent and accountable institutions.
“Academic and Research Institutions to advance research, education and knowledge generation on ethical leadership, governance and accountability.
“Youth and Citizens to embrace responsible citizenship, actively participate in governance processes, model ethical behaviour in everyday life, celebrate integrity wherever it is found, and encourage others to uphold the values of honesty, accountability, fairness and responsible leadership. Every citizen has a responsibility to be an ethical role model for future generations.
“Development Partners to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen ethical leadership, accountability systems, and inclusive governance across sectors,” the Forum added.
While reaffirming its collective conviction that ethical leadership is not merely an aspiration but a necessity for national transformation, the Forum therefore pledged to work collaboratively across sectors to build institutions characterised by integrity, accountability, inclusiveness and responsible stewardship for the benefit of present and future generations.