The National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy—from reactive enforcement to proactive prevention—emphasizing that only systemic and attitudinal change can uproot the nation’s deeply entrenched corruption.
Ribadu made this call on Saturday during the 9th Oba Sikiru Adetona Annual Professorial Lecture organized by Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. The lecture, titled “Corruption and National Security: Impacts and Consequences,” was part of activities commemorating the 91st birthday of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Represented by the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, Ribadu warned that corruption remains a core threat to national development and security, compromising institutions, diverting resources, and eroding public trust.
“We cannot talk about insecurity without acknowledging the role corruption plays in weakening public institutions and law enforcement,” Ribadu stated. “Diversion of funds and compromised procurement processes have left our national defenses vulnerable.”
The former EFCC Chairman stressed that while punitive measures are necessary, they are not sufficient to address the scale of corruption in Nigeria.
“We must build systems that make it impossible for corruption to thrive. Arrests and prosecutions are reactive—we need to stop corruption before it starts.”
Ribadu also emphasized that corruption is not limited to government institutions alone, but has permeated society, urging Nigerians to adopt a collective sense of accountability.
“Corruption cuts across the board—from public offices to private individuals. The fight must be institutional and attitudinal. We all must be involved—because those who must not take must also not give.”
Touching on national security, Ribadu revealed that over 160,000 Boko Haram combatants have surrendered, more than 300 commanders neutralized, and 2,500 insurgents rehabilitated and reintegrated under current counterterrorism efforts. He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to a collaborative security approach involving local governments, civil society, traditional rulers, and private institutions.
Ribadu also paid glowing tribute to Oba Sikiru Adetona, hailing him as a legendary monarch and fearless voice against corruption.
“At 91, Kabiyesi remains a beacon of wisdom, dignity, and leadership. His selfless contributions to education and good governance are unmatched.”
In his remarks, OOU’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, described Oba Adetona as the university’s most generous benefactor, crediting him with the establishment and continued support of the renowned Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deji Agboola, praised the Awujale as “a royal icon and a courageous educationist,” while Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the monarch’s exemplary leadership and cultural stewardship.
Princess Adetoun Adetona-Daramola, Chairperson of the Professorial Chair in Governance, who represented the celebrant, urged Nigerians to uphold truth and integrity for national transformation.
Dignitaries at the event included the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr. Sunny Kuku, Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege, and the Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba Abdulrasaq Adenugba.
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