Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abia State, last Friday sensitised secondary school students in the state on anti-corruption fight.
The corps members urged the students to uphold integrity and shun all forms of corrupt tendencies at early age to help Nigeria become the country of everybody’s dream.
They spoke on the topic “Youth of now and then in the fight against corruption”, during the inter-school quiz competition and induction of the NYSC 2018 Batch “C” Anti-Corruption CDS group, which held in Umuahia.
Our correspondent reports that the event, which held at the NYSC secretariat in Umuahia, was organised by the CDS group, in collaboration with other similar groups.
The event had participants from different schools, including representatives from anti-graft agencies, and officials of the NYSC.
Miss Joke Onishakin, President, Charity Gender CDS group, Umuahia, urged the youths to change their mind-set and believe it was possible to eradicate corruption.
“When you have the right attitude towards things, you grow up into a selfless adult.
“Stealing parents’ money, lying, bullying, etc, is corruption. All those things begin from childhood,” Onishakin said.
Corps members who spoke at the event noted that for the country to be rid of corruption, it had to be a collective fight.
Dr Jonathan Adeola, said that it was the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, especially youths, to shun every act of corrupt practice.
Adeola said corruption had many dimensions, including unwholesome examination practices; and urged students to rather “burn midnight candles” in their quest for success.
Dr Michael Ojo, who also called on his peers to join in the fight against corruption; noted that the cancer called corruption could only be dealt with if the fight against it became every citizen’s concern.
In a goodwill message, Mr Victor Onakpiberuo, Head of Department, Education, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said the commission was committed to promoting youths’ activities, specifically, anti-corruption crusades.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Mrs Francisca Ifon, the NYSC State Coordinator, commended the organisers for the initiative.
Ifon urged corps members to guard against negative influence by politicians in the forthcoming general elections; and keep their integrity intact.