The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has emphasized the critical role of young people in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. This message was conveyed by Mr. Yusuf Olatunji, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in Osun State, during the inaugural edition of an anti-corruption drama and spoken word competition held in Osogbo. The event, organized for secondary school students, was themed “Corruption: A Virus That We Must Eradicate” and was a collaborative effort between the ICPC and the Osun State government.
Mr. Olatunji highlighted that young people are vital to the development of a new Nigeria where integrity is celebrated and corrupt practices are rejected. He stressed that they are not too young to make a positive impact and can serve as agents of change in society. By engaging them through creative and educational platforms such as drama and spoken word, the ICPC aims to provide them with the knowledge and empowerment necessary to resist corruption.
Drawing a parallel between corruption and a virus, Olatunji noted that corruption, like a virus, evolves, spreads across generations, and requires a coordinated, strategic approach to control. He reiterated that while the ICPC leads the charge against corruption, it cannot succeed alone. Initiatives like this competition play a crucial role in broadening public participation and building a culture of integrity from a young age.
The commissioner emphasized that the competition goes beyond entertainment; it represents a united effort to raise a generation bold enough to reject corruption in all its manifestations. He described it as a deliberate and strategic platform to nurture ethical, informed citizens who are capable of shaping societal values and promoting accountability.
Furthermore, Olatunji clarified that corruption is not an inherent cultural trait or unavoidable condition—it is a choice and a societal illness that can be treated and cured. He stressed that by empowering young people and listening to their voices, Nigeria takes a meaningful step toward national reform and the establishment of a more transparent society.
In support of the initiative, the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Eluwole Adedipo, commended the ICPC for its efforts in combating corruption through youth engagement. He underscored the importance of involving young people in anti-corruption campaigns and instilling in them the values of honesty and integrity. Adedipo also called on parents to lead by example, stressing their role in nurturing morally upright children who understand the importance of doing what is right.
Overall, the event served as a powerful reminder of the need to engage all segments of society—especially the youth—in the ongoing battle against corruption, and to build a future where ethical behavior and transparency are the norm.