The sensitization lecture, themed: “Role of Young People in Fighting Corruption in Nigeria” held in the Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education Kano, in commemoration of 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day, (IACD).
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Malam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, who was represented by Buhari Abba described poor understanding of the concept of corruption and how it works in the society as the major factor hindering the fight against the menace.
He noted with dismay how the various forms of corruption is contributing toward eroding our socio-cultural values as people.
Y. Z. Ya’u, said “the sensitization lecture was part of the CITAD’s Anti-Corruption and Accountability Project which aimed at tackling corruption in Nigeria and help in entrenching democracy”.
“We are creating awareness among citizens on the dangers of corruption and its negative consequences in society”.
He further said that “We’re also training young people and social influencers to join hands together to utilize social media to hold leaders accountable, and to pressurize the government to fight corruption”.
In his presentation, Professor Habu Muhammad Fagge said “young people has a role to play in the fight against corruption”.
He said “the youth role could be intensified if civil societies organizations collaborated with schools to educate them on their constitutional rights and the importance of seeking redress when those rights are infringed”.
Habu Fagge who is the Director, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, Mambayya House, added that in Nigeria, corruption is more of an endemic issue, and it is seen in almost every public institution in the country, with huge resources lost annually.
In his part, Malam Isah Mansur Bello, head of Anti-Corruption Strategy Implementation, Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, who chaired the session described the fight against corruption as a total commitment to the common good of the people.
He said the effect of corruption could not be over-emphasized as it undermined development.
He noted that “Corruption must be reduced to its barest minimum if our fondest wish is a transparent system of governance”.
“The theme is to draw attention to the rights and responsibilities of all to fight corruption in all sectors. The policy, systems, and measures are to ensure that the issue is properly addressed.”
He also mentioned that the youth had a role to play by engaging with allies in the fight against corruption and the rule of law to attain sustainable development goals.
The Student Union President, Comrade Ibrahim Sulaiman said no country would develop with corruption as he emphasized the need for collaborative efforts by stakeholders to fight the menace.
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed by the international community on December 9 every year. It is the day set aside by the United Nations (UN) to create awareness about the negative impacts of corruption on nations and the need to fight it.
