- Urges Youths to Embrace Integrity and Innovation
- Calls for moral rebirth, digital skills, and ethical leadership at Abuja summit
The Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State, Dr. Mike Odere, has been honoured with the National Ethical Leadership and Integrity Award in recognition of his exemplary service, accountability, and commitment to transparent governance.
The award was presented by the Centre for Ethical Conduct Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) during the 2025 National Ethical Leadership Summit held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, with the theme “From Potential to Prosperity: Powering National Development through Ethical Leadership and Institutional Excellence.”
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Odere expressed gratitude to Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu for entrusting him with the opportunity to serve, describing the award as a collective recognition of the administration’s commitment to good governance and reform.
“This recognition is not just about me. It represents a new wave of ethical consciousness in our public institutions. Integrity remains the foundation of sustainable progress, and I am deeply humbled by this honour,” he said.
Dr. Odere also commended CECOE for its continued advocacy for ethics and governance, noting that such initiatives inspire public officers to remain resolute in upholding accountability and transparency.
Turning his focus to young Nigerians, the Commissioner encouraged them to embrace innovation, technology, and discipline as tools for success. He stressed that success can be achieved within the country with the right mindset and skills.
“You don’t need to japa to succeed. With the right skills in AI and technology, you can train yourself here in Nigeria, work remotely for international organizations, and earn in dollars. The world is now digital — opportunity belongs to those who innovate,” he said.
Dr. Odere further emphasized the need to revive moral values and ethical discipline in society, lamenting the decline of traditional respect and the growing disregard for moral accountability.
“We must return to our roots of morality. Respecting elders is a mark of good ethical conduct — we need their guidance. We must also be ethically conscious in our dealings because morality is part of our African culture,” he added.
“Sadly, people no longer ask how youths make money; this should not be so. We must revive moral discipline and ethical responsibility in our society.”
Presenting the award, CECOE’s National Coordinator, Dr. David Owah, described Dr. Odere as “a reform-driven technocrat whose leadership has inspired a culture of accountability and transparency within and beyond Cross River State.”
He noted that the award was part of CECOE’s initiative to honour public officials whose actions reflect the values of ethical leadership and institutional credibility.
The summit attracted policymakers, civil society groups, youth advocates, and development experts from across the country, all united in their call for a national moral renaissance anchored on ethics, innovation, and integrity.
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