The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission has called for the active involvement of youths in the fight against corruption in the country.
The Resident Anti-corruption Commissioner in Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji, made the call on Wednesday in Osogbo during an anti-corruption competition organised by the Commission in collaboration with the Osun State Government for secondary school students in the state.
The ICPC boss said the fight against corruption is not a one-man war, adding that corruption portends danger to every sector of national life.
“The fight against corruption is not a one-man war; it requires collective responsibility, inter-agency synergy, and above all, the active involvement of our youths.
“The theme of this programme, ‘Corruption: A Virus That We Must Eradicate’, is profoundly relevant and timely. Just like a deadly virus, corruption infects every sector of our national life. It weakens our ever-joined institutions, distorts our values, deprives citizens of basic services, and stifles development.
“Like a virus, corruption mutates, it adapts, finds new hosts, and spreads across generations if left unchecked. And like a virus, it requires a deliberate, strategic, and well-coordinated response involving both prevention and enforcement,” Olatunji said.
Olatunji subsequently advised the younger generation to take the bull by the horns and make a difference in the fight against corruption, urging parents and teachers to be good role models to the younger ones.
He said, “You are not too young to make a difference. Your voices matter. Your creativity matters. Your ideals, when rooted in integrity, are powerful tools that can challenge societal norms and inspire others to do what is right.
“Let me emphasise this: the battle against corruption begins in the mind. It begins with personal choices, choosing to do your assignments honestly, refusing to engage in examination malpractice, reporting injustice when you see it, and treating others with fairness and respect. We must, therefore, continue to invest in character development and civic education. Our educational institutions must become sanctuaries of integrity and innovation.”
In his remarks at the event, the chairman of Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr Ibukun Fadipe, who commended the organisers of the competition, said the state government would establish anti-corruption groups in the secondary schools across the state.
