Minister warns diplomats against corruption

[Punch]

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, has warned Foreign Service officers against corruption, temptation and acts capable of bringing any form of disgrace to the country.

Ashiru said this during the closing ceremony of the 20th regular course of the Foreign Service Academy in Lagos on Friday.

The minister said, "I expect you to have acquired the confidence and determination needed to give our country the best image that would ever be given by anyone who professes to be a loyal, incorruptible and patriotic citizen.

"Eschew corruption, temptation and acts that might bring any form of disgrace or disrepute to this chosen and enviable career of yours and our country.

"Avoid activities that derive from lack of control over personal weakness that could lead to criminal or anti-social behaviour."

He urged the diplomats to be dedicated and patriotic, stressing that the ministry was determined to bequeath a result-oriented foreign service that would meet the aspirations of Nigeria.

"You should also take due cognisance of the ongoing measures to deploy our foreign policy in assisting in the promotion of national development, the agenda of wealth and job creation for Nigerians," he said.

In his remarks, Director, FSA, Tiwalade Adelanwa, said the 20th regular course was the academy's commencement of a Masters degree programme.

He said, "The journey we are witnessing its terminus today began on October 20, 2011 with 69 participants, the pioneers of Masters in International Relations and Strategic Studies programme anchored in the University of Lagos and fused into the course requirements of the FSA."

The Punch