Addis Ababa — President Taye Atske Selasie has called for intensified efforts to fight against corruption in Ethiopia, as the practice has remained a major bottleneck to sustain development efforts and attain poverty reduction initiatives.

The 21st International Anti-Corruption Day was concluded at Adwa Victory Memorial today.

Speaking at the occasion, the president emphasized the need to fight corruption resolutely through institutional frameworks and its devastating impact on society.

Acknowledging the complex nature of corruption in Ethiopia, the president said that collective effort is required to fight against the practices as it undermines the national endeavor to extricate poverty.

He also urged for a relentless fight against corruption, emphasizing the need to support sustainable development across all sectors as a crucial step towards national prosperity.

President Taye also advocated for a youth-centric system to realize the nation's aspirations.

Noting that the country has been making relentless efforts to achieve comprehensive prosperity, the president emphasized that preventing the major obstacle to this effect--corruption is imperative.

He urged educational institutions to offer ethical and moral education, apart from formal curriculum, as part of fighting against corruption.

The Anti-Corruption Day brought together high-ranking government officials including Ewnetu Alene, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Democracy Affairs of the House of People's Representatives, Commissioner, Samuel Urqato, of the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and other invited guests.