The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has again charged Youth Corps members in the country to join the Commission in promoting a non-violent approach to fighting corruption and other related offences.
The charge was made on Wednesday during the Opening Session of a Three-Day training programme organised for youth corps members by the Youth Health and Social Reforms (YOHESOR) in collaboration with the ICPC.
Themed: “Social Re-engineering for Patriotism and Ethical Values Among Nigerians,” the training, scheduled for three days, is hosted by the ICPC at its headquarters in Abuja.
Declaring the training open, the Director, Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of patriotic anti-corruption and law-abiding revolutionists who are determined to fight corruption to a standstill.
Represented by Mr. Kingsley Obi, a Deputy-Director, Mr.Bakare noted that the training was designed to fully equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively mentor and inspire younger citizens.
He urged the Corp Members to make the most of the opportunity and to apply the lessons they’ll gather within the period, in practical and impactful ways.
In his paper presentation, titled “Patriotism and Social Re-engineering”, Mr.Oni urged participants to take education, innovation, and leadership seriously. He emphasised that “an educated and skilled population can tackle corruption challenges easily”.
He further highlighted the importance of creative thinking in driving progress and called on the youth to embrace leadership with integrity and vision in order to help build a prosperous and just society.
The Executive Director, YOHESOR, Mr. Obiefuna Chiakwa, commended the ICPC’s support, stressing that no nation can progress without patriotic citizens who are committed to national growth.
He stated that the training is targeted at promoting patriotism and ethical values. He noted that Corps Members are expected to pass on “what they learn to secondary school students, who will in turn, share it with their peers, hence, consequently creating a ripple effect that will lead to broader awareness”.
According to him, “as these positive messages continue to circulate, individuals will gradually internalize the values, often subconsciously, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of patriotism across communities.”
Day One of the training saw Corp Members engage with insightful ideas and recommendations to improve on warring corrupt practices, constructively tackling social vices and other areas of thought to help fashion responsible behaviours.