Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and the Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bolaji Owasanoye, have identified corruption as a major threat to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, public trust and rule of law.

The duo made this known in Akure, Ondo State, yesterday, at commissioning of the anti-graft agency’s prototype state office.

Akeredolu, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Catherine Oladunni Odu, advocated collective efforts between the Federal Government and sub-nationals to mitigate the spread of corruption across every sector of the economy.

“It goes without saying that corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of our national lives and, therefore, requires collective efforts to mitigate its spread across every sector. There is no gainsaying the fact that corruption is yet a general malaise in Nigeria, thus undermining public trust in our institutions, hampering adherence to the rule of law and limiting socio-economic and political advancements,” Akeredolu said.

In his welcome address, the ICPC boss said corruption poses great impediment to the socio-economic growth and development of any nation.

According to him, “corruption does not only blight the country’s reputation in the comity of nations, but also impedes the flow of Foreign Direct Investments, and is a challenge to national security.”

The one-storey facility, which is located at GRA Block A, Plot 3C Oda Road, Akure, has two conference rooms, staff offices, interview rooms, detention facilities, library, and store.