Pobè, April 16, 2025 - As part of the implementation of the pilot phase of its major national anti-corruption awareness campaign, the Haut-Commissariat à la Prévention de la CorruptionHCPC) is continuing its tour of the Plateau department. After Sakété, it was the turn of the communes of Pobè and Kétou to fervently welcome the delegation led by HCPC Secretary General Dr Olivier-Charles ATTINDEHOU.
A strategic stop at the Pobè Prefecture
In the early hours of the morning, the HCPC delegation was received at the Prefecture of Pobè for a working session with the Prefect, departmental, communal and municipal officials, local elected representatives and opinion leaders. The Prefect, visibly enthusiastic, welcomed this approach, which places the grassroots at the heart of the national strategy to prevent corruption. "This fight can only succeed if it takes root in the communities. It's a battle of proximity", he asserted.
After a closed-door discussion, a plenary session was held in the Prefecture's conference room. Dr. ATTINDEHOU outlined the foundations of the HCPC's action, articulated around three strategic axes:
- Detect - Report,
- Educate - Raise awareness,
- Dissuade - Punish.
An interactive debate followed, touching on themes such as the protection of whistle-blowers, the accountability of elected representatives, and the urgent need for a patriotic awakening. The General Secretary insisted on the need for an exemplary posture in the management of public affairs: "Let everyone be content with their salary! Let's reduce our pomp and respect the public good. That's the way to development. He also referred to the drafting of a specific law on the protection of whistle-blowers, inviting everyone to denounce, with courage, any act of corruption.
In the early afternoon, the delegation met in the meeting room of the Pobè town hall with representatives of women's groups, youth associations, artisans and other local stakeholders. Once again, the message was heard loud and clear. Voices were raised in praise of the long-awaited initiative: "The battle is not won in air-conditioned offices, but in the neighborhoods, in the markets, in the schools", emphasized several participants. They were unanimous in thanking President Patrice TALON for having breathed new life into the HCPC, by anchoring it in a logic of grassroots action.
The April 17, 2025the final leg of this departmental tour was marked by an exceptional mobilization in the meeting room of the Kétou Town Hall. In the presence of the First and Second Deputy Mayors, representatives of associations, NGOs, cooperatives and trade unions, as well as local elected representatives, listened attentively to the awareness-raising messages.
The innovation of this stage was the emphasis placed on popularizing the message in local languages, notably Nago, thanks to the brilliant intervention of Mr. Charlemagne LÉLÈGBÈDÉ, HCPC Regional Coordinator, who, to everyone's amazement, transformed himself into an enthusiastic interpreter. This highly symbolic gesture not only facilitated understanding, but also strengthened the bond of trust between the participants and the institution.
The discussions raised a number of crucial issues, including corruption during election periods, favoritism in the handling of administrative files, and unjustified delays in public services. Elected representatives were urged to become true ambassadors of integrity, to carry the message far and wide, and to embody the virtuous governance that the population demands.
A message of unity and hope
In conveying the greetings of the High Commissioner, Mr. Jacques MIGAN, the Secretary General of the HCPC reaffirmed the institution's commitment to returning to the field to monitor and reinforce the impact of the actions undertaken. He recalled that the fight against corruption is also an international international projectHe pointed out that the High Commissioner was currently in Vienna to take part in a strategic conference, while he himself was preparing to travel to Côte d'Ivoire and then to the Maldives, following a major training course in Abuja. All these efforts are designed to ensure that Benin is ready to welcome international investors in a healthy environment.
"The fight against corruption is not only waged in the office, but in the field, in our homes, in our markets", declared the Secretary General.
The population, full of hope, thanks President Patrice TALON for the new impetus given to the HCPC.
This campaign has already succeeded in its aim of stirring people's consciences and rallying communities around a common ideal - that of a Benin of integrity, solidarity and a better future. that of a Benin of integrity, solidarity and a better future..