In a dynamic display of youth engagement in the fight against graft, the Anti-Corruption Community Development Service (CDS) Group of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), under the auspices of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), recently energised the streets of Port Harcourt with a road walk and community sensitisation rally.
The event, designed to translate anti-corruption advocacy from theory into public action, saw corps members march purposefully through the bustling Rumuokoro/Rumuodumaya axis in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Led by the group’s President, Miss Odigbo Perpetua Ogochukwu, the procession transformed the roadside into a moving classroom against corruption.
Armed with placards and unwavering zeal, their chants of “Stand for the truth even if you stand alone” and “Corruption steals our future, Don’t Let It!” resonated powerfully, halting the daily rhythm of commerce and transit. Motorists honked in solidarity, while pedestrians and shop owners paused to engage.
The corps members seized these spontaneous interactions, initiating dialogues on how corrupt practices, from petty bribery to large-scale fraud, erode public trust, stifle economic growth, and directly impact the quality of education, infrastructure, and healthcare accessible to ordinary citizens.
The rally was bolstered by a poignant charge from the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Ekere Usiere. Represented by the Head of the Commission’s Public Education Unit in Port Harcourt, Mr. Obinna Osim, the Commissioner framed the fight as a personal and generational imperative.
“The negative effects of corruption are most deeply felt by your generation,” she stated, urging the corps members to champion integrity as future leaders. She reaffirmed ICPC’s commitment to partnering with youth-led initiatives, highlighting them as essential stakeholders in building a transparent Nigeria.
This empowering message fueled the participants’ dedication, resulting in a highly impactful outreach. The outcomes extended beyond mere visibility. The walk fostered a tangible connection between the ICPC and the community, demystifying the Commission’s work and inviting public collaboration. It significantly elevated local awareness, framing corruption not as an abstract evil but as a concrete obstacle to community development and national progress.
Furthermore, it showcased the NYSC CDS group as a proactive force for social change within their host community, setting a precedent for advocacy and citizen engagement.
The event stands as a testament to the potent role of informed youth in driving societal transformation, signalling that the battle for a corruption-free Nigeria is gaining momentum from the ground up.