Babakano emerges ADSACS M&E chair as Anti-corruption drive builds momentum in Adamawa
The move to nix corruption in Adamawa State has gained traction on Thursday as members of the Adamawa State Anti-Corruption Strategy (ADSACS) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee concluded a deployment training in Yola, culminating in the emergence of Fadimatu Aliyu Babakano as the new chairperson of the committee.
The deployment training, organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) with support from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), equipped committee members with the necessary skills and tools to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation framework of the ADSACS initiative across the state.
The event marked the beginning of a new operational phase, with Babakano set to lead the M&E team in monitoring 40 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Her mandate includes tracking compliance with anti-corruption standards, evaluating transparency in service delivery, and ensuring the overall implementation of the state’s anti-corruption strategy.
In her acceptance remarks, Babakano pledged to “hit the ground running,” emphasizing that tackling corruption remains a critical national and state priority due to its destructive impact on governance and development.
She expressed gratitude to committee members for the confidence reposed in her and urged for sustained collaboration to achieve the committee’s goals.
“Reducing corruption is a task that must be done because of its destructive nature. I thank my colleagues for this confidence and call for collective effort and unflinching support to ensure we deliver on the objectives of ADSACS,” she said.
Speaking during the training, Hapsat Abdullahi, the Adamawa State Coordinator of RoLAC, noted that the second phase of the ADSACS implementation would focus on consolidation and measurable outcomes.
She stressed the importance of simplicity and focus in the committee’s activities to ensure effective and sustainable implementation.
“We expect greater commitment from members now that we have gained experience from the earlier phase. We don’t need to engage in costly or complicated activities. Simple, impactful actions that align with our design framework are more valuable,” Abdullahi stated.
She further revealed that by November, the committee would have finalized the year’s activity plan, ensuring all actions align with the state’s anti-corruption framework. Abdullahi also commended the emergence of a new, energetic leadership, expressing optimism that Babakano’s tenure would bring renewed vigor and accountability.
Also speaking, Professor Ada Chidi Igbokwe, a consultant with RoLAC and facilitator at the training, explained that the deployment exercise was designed to prepare M&E members for field assignments across MDAs.
She noted that the participants were refreshed on their roles and introduced to new responsibilities under the Service Delivery Transparency Initiative.
According to her, the M&E committee will play a pivotal role at ensuring compliance and accountability within the state’s administrative structures.
“The MDAs are the implementers of ADSACS, while the M&E team is responsible for monitoring their performance, identifying gaps, and submitting data to the oversight body for informed decision-making,” she said.
Professor Igbokwe highlighted the strategic involvement of the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the M&E structure, describing them as independent watchdogs whose presence compels MDAs to uphold transparency.
“No ministry or agency wants to be tagged as corrupt or non-compliant. The involvement of media and CSOs ensures accountability because they can flag lapses and drive corrective action,” she added.
She further noted that the Head of Service chairs the ADSACS Steering Committee, which serves as the top-level decision-making body responsible for policy guidance and oversight of implementation activities.
Igbokwe described Babakano’s emergence as historic, being the first woman to chair the M&E committee, and expressed confidence that her leadership would inspire greater energy and focus.
“When a leader is active, followers are motivated. Now that we have someone at the driver’s seat, we expect to see the committee move forward with commitment and purpose,” she said.
