By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
As the world marks International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on Nigerian youths to take proactive steps in combating corruption by using information technology, social media, and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
In a statement on Monday, commemorating this year’s IACD with the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, emphasized the critical role of young people in fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.
Mr. Longe urged Nigerian youths to leverage their energy, creativity, and technological acumen to tackle corruption, stating, “Young people stand at the forefront of innovation with the tools and capacity to expose corruption, demand accountability, and build a society that prioritizes equity over exploitation.”
He noted that corruption remains one of the most significant barriers to Nigeria’s development, perpetuating inequality and depriving citizens, especially young people, of opportunities.
“Corruption steals resources, erodes trust in officials and institutions, and deepens societal inequalities. Young Nigerians, as the largest demographic, have both a responsibility and unique opportunities to drive change,” Longe added.
Highlighting the FOI Act as a vital tool, Mr. Longe encouraged young people to:
– Educate themselves on the Act’s provisions and their rights under the law.
– Identify key government agencies managing public resources and demand accountability.
– Collaborate on youth-led initiatives to track government spending, monitor projects, and report discrepancies.
– Partner with journalists, civil society groups, and legal experts to navigate challenges in accessing information.
“The FOI Act enables every citizen to seek information on government resource allocations, public spending, contract awards, and project implementation,” he said, stressing the importance of using this law to expose discrepancies and advocate for change.
Mr. Longe also called on the government to invest in youth education, include them in decision-making processes, and create platforms where their ideas can thrive.
He further urged civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to support an enabling environment for young people to act against corruption without fear.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003, designating December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day. The day aims to raise awareness about corruption’s impacts and the role of UNCAC in addressing the issue.
As Nigerian youths are encouraged to rise against corruption, the focus remains on building a society grounded in integrity and transparency for a better tomorrow.
