By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has identified asset declaration by the public officers as a tool to tackle the menace of corruption in the public sector and private sector in Africa.
Mahama said this at the 53rd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Ilorin, Kwara State Capital on Thursday.
Mahama stated that corruption is a global challenge that hinders economic development, diverts investments from infrastructure, institutions, and social services, and undermines efforts to achieve other country-specific development goals and targets.
“The international community has embarked on a global anti-corruption fight across several sectors, including real estate.
“Real estate asset and property valuation are a critical factor in asset investment decision-making and a vital tool for the global fight against corruption.
“Considering the enormity of the consequences of perversely attributed values to assets, asset valuation deservedly demands and requires increased attention from critical actors, such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.
“Our fragile financial intermediation systems’ security and growth face the significant risks from poorly done asset valuation.
“To remain relevant in pursuing economic and social progress and distributive justice and equity, you as professionals must rise to the occasion and create a more responsive regime to aid Africa’s renaissance and growth.You must work to build Africa as a centre of excellence in the asset valuation space.” he said
Earlier in his opening speech, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, ESV Johnbull Amayaevbo stated that the theme of the Conference ‘Asset Valuation As A Global Anti-Corruption Tool: The Nigeria Experience’ was carefully chosen, stated that governments alone cannot succeed in preventing and fighting corruption and corrupt practices without cooperation and collaborative efforts of the private sector.
Also in his remarks the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq who was represented at the event by his deputy Kayode Alabi, lauded the institution and the theme of the conference said “The Nigerian Experience, is apt as it keys into the main focus of the current APC led administration to fighting corruption which is an endemic problem confronting our corporate existence as a nation.
“It is also a testament to the commitment of NIESV as a worthy partner of the Nigerian government in the quest to enthroning a corrupt-free society through active citizen’s participation and engagement Surveyors, including Estate Surveyors and Valuers, are experts, professionals /consultants helping citizens of a particular country understand what space there is and how it can be best developed in order that all people can live happy and productive lives.”
