ICPC, Groups Warn Youths Against Corruption

BY ANDY AKENI

DETERMINED to fight cor­ruption in the society, the Independent Corrupt Prac­tices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collabora­tion with the Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action), and MacArthur Foundation, have warned youths to desisit from acts of corruption or be ready to face the wrath of the law.

As a result, ICPC and its part­ners have inaugurated Students Anti-Corruption Vanguards (SAVs) unit at the Dennis Osade­bey University, Asaba, Delta State. The inauguration took place during the Niger Delta Youth Anti-Corruption workshop held in Asaba, with the theme ‘’Youth Against Corruption: Mobilizing for Behavioural Change, Whistle blowing and Social Develop­ment’’

Addressing participants, the National Secretary of ICPC, Barr. Clifford Oparaodu, warned youths to avoid corrupt actions but be ready to fight corruption to enhance the development of society.

Oparaodu said that the Nige­rian youths possess immense power and potential to effect change, also saying that corrup­tion is a pressing issue in the country that has hindered devel­opment, eroded trust and imped­ed progress, hence the workshop to educate and enlighten them against corruption.

“Nigerian youths are vital in shaping the future and we must empower them to combat cor­ruption. With around 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, young people have the passion, energy, and creativity necessary to address these is­sues.

“It is essential that we em­power those who are commit­ted to this fight, as they are the ones who can drive the change we need. There are dire conse­quences if corruption continues unchecked. As young individu­als, you must cultivate the habit of integrity. There is no need to rush in life.

Earlier in his welcome ad­dress, the Coordinator, Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action), Mr. Botti Isaac, said corruption was not merely a political issue, but a societal af­fliction that affects every aspect of human lives which hampers development, stifles innovation, and propagates cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.

In the same vein, the State Resident Anti-Corruption Com­missioner (RAAC), EdetUfot, said that as the catalysts for change and the lifeblood of society, it was important for youths to be engaged and equipped with the necessary tools that would help create a better society.

The workshop featured lec­tures on Corruption, whistle­blowing, and accountability’’ by Godwin Onyeacholem, ‘Beneficial ownership register/freedom of Information as tools for promot­ing accountability in service delivery’ was by Botti Isaac of Social Action.