The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged Students of Anti- Corruption Vanguards (SAV) to eschew corrupt practices and be examples of integrity wherever they found themselves.
This charge was made during the launching and inauguration of student’s anti-corruption vanguards in three (3) public and private institutions at the Commission’s Auditorium in Abuja. These institutions are; Nile University, Abuja; Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Toto and FCT College of Nursing Sciences, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
In his keynote address, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSR, represented by Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, Acting Director, Public Enlightenment and Education (PE&E) opined that the essence of SAV is to tap into the active energies of the youths who possess enormous power that could be effectively deployed in the non-violent fight against corruption.
He stressed that in order to curb the menace of corruption, youths must contribute their quota towards the enthronement and institutionalization of integrity, transparency, accountability and sound moral values in tertiary institutions.
“The youth must actively participate in politics and governance. The spheres of influence where decisions are made, policy formulation and resources allocated lie in the hands of those in power. As young Nigerians, we must challenge the status quo, advocate for ethical leadership and demand accountability from our elected representatives” he remarked.
According to him, collaboration and networking are vital organs in the fight against corruption. However, the Commission has established many programmes like the Students Anti-corruption Vanguards in tertiary Institutions, Anti- corruption Clubs in Secondary Schools, and infusion of the Commission’s National Values Curriculum developed by the Commission into school curricula at different levels of education, owing to the recognition of the fact that young people wield tremendous influence.
His words “Collaboration and networking are vital in this fight. We need to establish platforms where young Nigerians from diverse background can come together, share ideas and work collectively towards a corruption- free Nigeria.”
To inspire the youth led anti-corruption initiatives, Mr John Okor Odey, Deputy Director, PE&E presented a paper titled “Protect your dream for a better tomorrow, walk the path of integrity today” he emphasized on the multifaceted challenges faced by youth and how to overcome them to be great leaders in the society.
He noted that the youths are saddled with the responsibilities to change the narratives of corruption. However, he urged the youth to protect their dream for a better tomorrow and to take action today to secure their future.
“Although climbing the ladder of success via the route of integrity today seems to be an uphill task for the youths and indeed everybody, there is no better and more credible path to an enduring life” he said.
Mr. Odey explained further that corruption has also killed our good morals and culture as the younger generation now thinks only of making fast money through unscrupulous means.
According to him, “Some young people buy examination papers and results. A child who buys examination results can never be a good doctor; he will kill patients easily through wrong diagnosis and treatment.”
The high point of the occasion was the formal inauguration of the SAV and swearing an oath of allegiance affirming to shun all forms of corruption and anti-social behaviors and to uphold the virtues of integrity, honesty and good character in all their conducts.
The launching is expected to follow up with series of meetings and training for members of the vanguard.