The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators, Oyo State, Prof. Samuel Oyelakin Awobode, has called for the active involvement of youths in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, highlighting the urgency of uniting Nigeria’s large youth population to combat this “monster called corruption” before it becomes further entrenched in society.
Prof. Awobode gave the charge during his lecture themed: ‘Uniting with Youths Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,’ in commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day, held at the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), Office, Ibadan.
He said youths are the most vulnerable demographic when it comes to corruption and can easily be hoodwinked, adding that they also bear the brunt of the consequences in the near future.
According to him, corruption, an abuse of entrusted power or position for personal gains infiltrates all sectors; government, business and education, undermining trust in institutions and perpetuating poverty.
He said, “Corruption erodes trust in institutions, stifles economic growth and exacerbates inequality. Corruption in Nigeria has its roots in the colonial era, when the British administration prioritised exploitation rather than development.”
Prof. Awobode pointed out that many young people view corruption as a way to navigate a system that seems rigged against them, stressing the need for a multi-faceted approach to combat this issue, which includes improving governance, enhancing economic opportunities and promoting moral values.
The professor called for empowering youth as agents of change, adding that, “the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, with youth as critical stakeholders. Drawing lessons from developed nations, Nigeria can empower its young population through education, technological innovation, and leadership opportunities. By leveraging the strengths of its youth, Nigeria can build a future where integrity is the norm and corruption is a relic of the past.
“By uniting with our youth and equipping them to shape tomorrow’s integrity, we can build a Nigeria where honesty is celebrated, and corruption is relegated to the pages of history. As we have a hall of fame for people that are outstanding and shun corruption we should also have a hall of shame for corrupt politicians and government officials in order to serve as a deterrent to those who have tendencies for corruption,” he added.
He urged stakeholders to create educational programs that integrate anti-corruption themes and promote youth leadership, admonishing Nigerian youths to leverage technology as a potent tool for transparency and accountability and called on leaders to invest in youths, providing them with the necessary tools and platforms to lead the charge against corruption.
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