The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called on Nigerian youths to take a decisive stand against corruption, describing them as the nation’s most critical drivers of integrity and sustainable development.
He made the call on Tuesday at the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” Dr. Aliyu said young Nigerians hold the key to building a corruption-free society. He noted that their energy, creativity and courage provide a strong foundation for enduring integrity systems.
According to him, equipping young people with the right values, tools and opportunities will empower a generation capable of confronting corruption at its roots. He urged them to be bold and united, stressing that while corruption threatens national dreams, integrity strengthens them.
The ICPC Chairman highlighted the Commission’s extensive youth-focused initiatives, including anti-corruption lectures at National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps nationwide, NYSC–ICPC community development activities and the establishment of anti-corruption clubs in schools.
He also revealed that the Commission has intensified efforts to promote transparency at the grassroots through the Joint National Local Government Accountability Framework Workshops and the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments (ACPP-LG).
In his keynote address, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, described the event as a vital platform for raising awareness about the dangers of corruption and strengthening collective resolve to combat it.
He stated that youth empowerment remains a major priority of the current administration, describing young Nigerians as powerful agents of change and custodians of the nation’s democratic future. He urged them to embrace accountability and make integrity a defining national value.
Earlier, the Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), Mrs. Jane O. Onwumere, said the annual observance of International Anti-Corruption Day, designated by the United Nations for December 9, serves as a global reminder of the destructive effects of corruption and the need for collective action.
She noted that the focus on youth this year was particularly significant, as it recognises young people not merely as beneficiaries of good governance but as co-creators of it. She linked corruption to the growing “japa” trend among young Nigerians and stressed that investing in youth capacity remains the most sustainable strategy in the anti-corruption fight.
The event featured two panel sessions and an inter-school debate, which was won by Model Girls Secondary School, Maitama, underscoring the active role of young people in promoting integrity and accountability.
