The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on Nigerian children to actively participate in the fight against corruption, describing the menace as a "dream killer" that threatens their future.
Speaking at the inauguration of Students Anti-Corruption Clubs (SACs) in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday, Suleiman Achile, Assistant Director of the Education Department at ICPC, emphasized the critical role young Nigerians can play in combating corruption.
"There are only two things that can stop you from achieving your dreams—corruption and you. If you do not fight corruption, it will fight you and your dreams," Achile warned the students.
Understanding Corruption's Impact
Achile defined corruption as the abuse of public trust for private gain, taking what is meant for everybody for oneself, and dishonesty or illegal behavior that involves cheating. He added that indecency and violation of society's normative values also constitute corruption.
The ICPC official outlined several devastating effects of corruption on society, including increased unemployment and crime rates. "Corruption erodes the ethical base of society: diligence, excellence, honesty, merit, and integrity," he explained.
"It leads to infrastructural decay and essential services which are not rendered as and when due, like electricity, roads, hospitals, and schools," Achile added.
Call to Action for Students
The ICPC urged students to fight corruption by maintaining honesty and standing for integrity. Importantly, they encouraged children to report acts of corruption observed at home or in school to their parents, authorities, or trusted adults.
John Odey, ICPC Deputy Director of Education, also addressed the students, highlighting the commission's three-pronged approach to fighting corruption: prevention, enforcement, and public enlightenment.
Odey called on school management and teachers to strengthen the anti-corruption clubs and declare their schools "corruption-free zones," emphasizing the importance of educational institutions in shaping ethical citizens.
The establishment of Students Anti-Corruption Clubs in FCT schools represents part of ICPC's broader strategy to instill anti-corruption values in young Nigerians from an early age, recognizing that sustainable change requires engaging the next generation.
