Rev David Ugolor Appointed to Africa Union Anti-Corruption Non-State Actors Forum Interim Executive Council

Benin City, Nigeria – October 10, 2025… The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) is proud to announce the appointment of its Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, to the Interim Executive Council of the Non-State Actors (NSA) Forum of the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption (AUABC).

This appointment, confirmed by the AUABC in a letter dated 10 October 2025 (Ref: AUABC/ES/2025/10/338), marks a significant milestone in the recognition of Rev. Ugolor’s and ANEEJ’s tireless advocacy in the area of asset recovery, transparency, and anti-corruption governance across Africa for more than three decades.

The NSA Forum was established as a direct response to Article 12 of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), which affirms the vital role that civil society, the media, and citizens play in promoting integrity, holding public officials accountable, and ensuring the effective implementation of anti-corruption frameworks. The Forum serves as a platform for non-state actors to engage constructively with State Parties, foster transparency, and monitor compliance with AUCPCC provisions.

Rev. Ugolor joins a select group of continental leaders tasked with operationalizing the Forum over a one-year period. As an Interim Council Member, he will contribute to:
• Defining the structure, scope, and working methods of the NSA Forum;
• Developing annual work and budget plans that align with AUABC’s priorities for non-state actors;
• Coordinating stakeholder engagement, including at high-level events such as the Annual African Anti-Corruption Dialogue;
• Overseeing implementation of Forum decisions and resolutions, and
• Mobilizing clean and transparent funding sources to support the Forum’s activities.

In a statement, Rev. David Ugolor expressed appreciation for the honor:

“I am deeply grateful to the AU Advisory Board Against Corruption for this recognition. I view this appointment not only as a personal honor but as an endorsement of ANEEJ’s consistent work in promoting accountability and asset recovery over the years. I am committed to advancing the objectives of the NSA Forum and supporting collaborative efforts to combat corruption across Africa.”

Leo Atakpu, Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, also welcomed the development:

“Rev. Ugolor’s appointment is a clear affirmation of his outstanding leadership in the fight against corruption and a recognition of his instrumental role in promoting civil society engagement in asset recovery, including advancing the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) and Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles at national and global levels.”

Rev. Ugolor’s inclusion in the Interim Council is expected to further deepen ANEEJ’s impact on the continent and strengthen ongoing advocacy for inclusive governance, citizen participation, and accountable use of recovered assets.

For further information: please contact 09069725955 or info@aneej.org and follow us on twitter, Instagram and facebook: @aneejnigria, @Latakpu, aneej__nigeria and facebook.com/aneejnige