Ethics Matter: ANEEJ Advocates Against Corruption Normalization Among Youths
Eben Enasco Reporting.
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, is calling on Nigerian youths to reject and challenge corruption, utilizing technology to track government projects and demand accountability.
Rev. David Ugolor, ANEEJ’s Executive Director, emphasized the critical role youths play in fostering integrity, accountability and transparency, in his opening remarks at an event to mark the 2024 Anti-Corruption Day held recently in Benin City.
He was represented by the Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, Comrade Leo Atakpu.
The event, put together by ANEEJ in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption RoLAC, programme and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, seeks to address youths involvement in corrupt practices.
According to him, with the youths constituting 63% of Nigeria’s population, underscores their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future, where he added that corruption impedes critical infrastructure, threatens aspirations of current and future generations.
While highlighting the critical role in championing anti-corruption reforms through the Civil Society, on this year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity, Rev. Ugolor said it was part of the implementation of the Advocacy to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Reforms in Nigeria CASARN’s Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance International IDEA.
He emphasized ANEEJ’s proactive role in combating corruption and promoting ethical values among young people.
Olukayode Olanipekun, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission’s EFCC, Chairman, represented by the Public Relations Officer of the Edo command, William Oseghale urged youths to unite against corruption, warning against internet fraud’s dire consequences.
He said corruption affects every age group but bites harder against the prospects and possibilities of youths, making it more binding on young people to tackle it more fiercely than any other age group.
Panelists, Daisy Abiola Igaga, Ernest Abebe and Blessing Eromo, in their key takeaways, emphasized youth engagement, as well as closing the gap between educated and uneducated youths.
They are also recommending for the new Edo State government to
pass the Freedom of Information FOI, Bill, Operationalized the Edo State Integrity and Accountability Strategy EDSIAS, and Implement Open Government Partnership, OGP, commitments.
They hailed the availability for the mobilisation of the youth to channel their energies to pursue genuine means of creating wealth and join the anti-corruption fight.
No fewer than 100 participants made of youth, civil society actors, representatives of anti-corruption agencies and journalists attended the event.