By Lewis S Teh
Bendu Conneh, a Register Nurse working at the government-run hospital in Buchanan, Grand Bassa county has emerged as the winner among five finalists in this year’s Integrity Icon Award organized by Accountability Lab Liberia.
Accountability Lab Liberia is a global trans local network that makes governance work for people by supporting active citizens, responsible leaders, and accountable institutions.
According to the civil society organization, the goal is to have a world in which resources are used wisely, decision benefits vast majority of citizens and people live secure lives.
It said voting process was done in three categories, including online, SMS, and Whatapps after which Miss Bendu Conneh emerged as winner with a total vote of 937 above her colleagues.
Making remarks following receipt of the 2022 Integrity Icon Award, Miss Conneh extolled the organizers for the competition and described the award as a dream comes true.
” I’m overwhelmed with this award; I never thought people were watching the little things I was doing. I want to call on everyone in both private and public sectors to perform their duties with honesty, and fairness because integrity comes when no one is watching”, she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Urban Sjostrom encouraged the five finalists to serve as agents of change at their respective places of work.
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“As you have been celebrated here today for exercising honesty, we look forward to seeing you becoming the change in the discharge of your duties”, Amb Sjostrom urged the participants.
Yesterday, we launched the State of Corruption Report for CENTAL. In that report, citizens’ views about corruption are very high and this is alarming; a lot needs to be done to curtail this act.”
He said everyone has a responsibility to report corruption not only the Executive, but the Legislature and the Judiciary.
Giving an overview of the program, Accountability Lab Liberia Country Director Lawrence Yealue, said at this time the year, the Lab always take Anti-Corruption approach that are changing the narrative.
“We are doing this to name and film, as opposed to naming and shaming by producing ways that are discovering public services actors that are doing good, delivering service well, including those that are showcasing honesty”, Mr. Yealue said.
The celebration of Accountability Lab Liberia annual integrity Icon campaign and fund-raising program took place at Icampus on Carey Street in Central Monrovia and was graced by members of Diplomatic Missions, government officials, several civil society organizations and families and relatives of the five finalists, among others. Editing by Jonathan Browne
