Social Action/ICPC Engage young People on Accountability in Calabar

Social Development Integrated Centre, Social Action in collaboration with the Independence Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC held a state level anti-corruption sensitization workshop on 23rd July, 2024 in Calabar, Cross River. The workshop with the theme: Enhancing Youth and CSOs Participation in Anti-corruption Agenda and Inclusive Development was designed to education state actors and youths on the danger of being passive towards corruption. The workshop was part of the effort to promote active citizen involvement in anti-corruption campaign at the subnational level, particularly the youths. It educated and sensitized young community actors and CSOs on strategies to engage anti-corruption campaign at the state level. The program was designed to raise young people and CSOs’ awareness of the destructive effect of corruption on the society and how they can be advocate of anti-corruption in their various communities and pushing for transparency, accountability and inclusive service delivery.

In his welcome remark, the Programs Coordinator of Social Action urged participants at the workshop to be proactive and steadfast in engaging anti-corruption agenda, noting that this is vital to move the nation forward.” He called on youths not remain on the fence on the matter s it is their future that is being eroded. We are not going to stand and watch corruption festers in our society; we need to do something and do it fast He noted. He added, the outcome of today’s workshop would be used not only as a tool, but also a working document in the fight against corruption hence the need for all participants to reflect on what each can do within his or her domain to ensure corruption is curbed in the society . We know the youths are change agents, and that’s why we are deliberate in inviting you for this workshop.

The Honourable Chairman of The Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) represented by Mr Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, Esq, DSSRS Secretary to Commission, is his special remarks and paper presentation titled, “Youth As The Hope For Behavioural Change And Inclusive Development: The ICPC Agenda” expressed sincere appreciation to Social Action and the MacArthur Foundation for the great work they are doing, He said, in ICPC, is better to prevent than to punish, and that the ICPC for many years has recognized the need to mobilize the youths in their various categories, equipping them with essential knowledge and tools to contribute their quota in its anti-corruption campaigns.” He furthermore noted that the ICPC in recognition of the role of the youths, since 2003 has started Anti-corruption Clubs in Secondary Schools, to help the youths at primary and secondary levels of education imbibe the culture of integrity, not just in schools but also in their daily social lives. He further stated that, “Other youth-related platforms such as Anti-corruption Vanguards in Tertiary Institutions of learning, National Anti-Corruption Volunteer Corps (NAVC) and NYSC-ICPC CDS Groups were also created by the commission as parts of its efforts to achieve the commission’s mandate.” Mr Clifford esq while presenting his paper noted that the youths are saddled with the responsibilities to change the narratives of corruption. As a way to charge the youths present in the workshop, he urged the youth as not just leaders of tomorrow as often said, but leaders of today and tomorrow to take action today to secure their future.

Mr. John Okor Odey, Deputy Director, Department of Public Enlightenment and Education, ICPC presented on the topic “Stemming the Tides of Corruption at Subnational Level—A Collective Approach called on the the participants to “equip themselves; “be an asset, and not a liability, and that there is a difference between service and servitude.” He noted that “Corruption Knees are on our necks, and we can’t breathe”. He decried the lack of political will on the part of the government change the status-quo, creating the opportunity for corruption to fester. According to him, the effects of corruption are: poverty, infrastructural decay, weak institutions, oppressively strong individuals, unemployment, injustice and social inequalities, and stagnated growth or under development. Mr. John while presenting, paused and said, “Do everything you can not to get sick because all the best hands have left the country for greener pastures abroad, and corruption have crept into the health sector in recent times.”

Mr. Rekpene Bassey, President, African Council on Narcotics (ACON) while making his presentation on the topic, “Avoiding Destructive Behaviour, Taking up the Challenge of Inspiring Leadership: The Anti-Corruption Perspectives” urged the youths to avoid “Destructive Conducts that could cause harm.” He said, “Inspiring Leadership spurs others to act in a positive light, embodies core values and principles that enhances development generally, is creative, innovative, inclusive, empathic, and fosters peaceful coexistence.” Inspiring Leadership as well celebrates people who have achieved success in a group, and is well characterized by passion, emotional intelligence and integrity. Mr. Rekpene Bassey concluded that, “In the absence of inspiring leadership, transparency and accountability, and the rule of law, destructive behaviours would thrive.”
In the final presentation of the day titled, “What is to be done? Nigerian Youths Against Corruption.” Mr Botti noted that corruption is a monster, stating that corruption has cost Nigerian economy more than $550 billion; About N1.3 trillion of public funds was laundered just between 2011 and 2015, and others. According to him, “One of the ways to end the scourge of corruption is for all to “get be involved”, then move a step further to be the corruption chain breaker. Also, when we end corruption, the future will be better and sustainable.” He urged all present at the workshop to join the advocacy against corruption by sounding the alarm at the sight of corrupt practices with two different captions, which are: See Something, Say Something, Do Something charging all to Ask Questions, Make demands using FOI, Raise Petitions, and Speak Up.