From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched the Students Anti-Corruption Vanguard (SAV), an initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians to take an active stand against corruption in the country.
Addressing the new members of the Vanguard, who are students from various tertiary institutions, on Tuesday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Commission, Barr. Cliford Oparaodu, stated that youth play a critical role in combating corruption and fostering a culture of transparency and integrity in society.
The Secretary noted that 60% of the country’s population is under the age of thirty, with the passion, energy, and creativity needed to address corruption.
Represented by Mr. Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, he stressed that corruption has long hampered national development, eroded public trust, and perpetuated poverty, inequality, and injustice, making it crucial for the younger generation to understand its impact and be actively involved in the fight.
“Education and awareness are powerful tools in combating corruption. As young Nigerians, we must strive to educate ourselves about the detrimental effects corruption has on our society.
We must understand that corruption not only stifles economic growth but also perpetuates poverty, inequality, and injustice. By equipping ourselves with this knowledge, and building capacity for anti-corruption, we can become advocates for change, spreading awareness among our peers, families, and communities,” he said.
Oparaodu also highlighted the role of technology, encouraging youths to leverage their technological skills to enhance transparency and accountability. “Embracing technology can be a game-changer in our fight against corruption. We are living in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, and Nigerian youths have proven themselves adept at utilizing these tools. We must harness the power of technology to increase transparency, enhance accountability, and improve governance. Mobilizing our coding skills, data analysis abilities, and social media prowess, we can expose corrupt practices, track public spending, and facilitate citizen participation in anti-corruption initiatives,” he remarked.
The Secretary also emphasized the importance of youth engagement in politics, advocating for ethical leadership, and holding elected officials accountable.
“As young Nigerians, we must challenge the status quo, advocate for ethical leadership, and demand accountability from our elected representatives,” he added.
He concluded by calling on the youth to unite, collaborate with civil society, and work towards a corruption-free Nigeria.