The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has challenged youth corps members across the country to be involved in the anti-corruption fight saying their advocacy and passion to see things done the right way could change the narrative of the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
This charge was given at a one-day anti-corruption workshop for NYSC members held at the Commission’s headquarters recently.
In her welcome address, ICPC Acting Director, Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, reiterated the importance of corps members to the anti-corruption fight saying that their active participation and advocacy amongst their peers can change the narrative for good.
Mrs. Ogugua advised them to not only be passionate about integrity, but make it a point of duty to influence somebody else positively into doing the right thing and shunning corrupt vices.
In his keynote address titled “The Place of Youths in General and Corps Members in Particular in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria”, the Deputy Director, Education Division, Mr. Okor Odey noted that it has become necessary for corpers, and youths in general, to play their parts in fighting corruption if they truly believe that the future belongs to them.
He added that for this to be achieved, the youths must be informed and be willing to gather knowledge on everything about corruption and also demand accountability from their leaders.
“Every country on earth owes its future to the youths but sometimes, the youth are themselves lethargic. They do not ask questions, they do not take up responsibilities, they do not assert themselves. For corruption not to destroy you, you must prepare yourself to take up the mantle when it is your generation’s time. And when is the time for your generation? It is now.
“Nothing stops you from bringing forward your own future. As a CDS (Community Development Service) group, individually you contribute your ideas. You pass them forward to ICPC. There are things you see where you go that the ICPC does not see. If you do not report, they will remain unsolved.”
The event also witnessed the inauguration of ICPC CDS Committee on Campaign against Sexual and Financial Exploitation, as well as a moot court session to demonstrate the legal consequences of corruption.