Women, youths most affected by corruption in Nigeria – ICPC boss

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, revealed that women and youth disproportionately experience the effects of corruption in the country.

Aliyu urged women and youth to take a more active role in the fight against corruption and other social vices in Nigeria.

He made this revelation on Thursday in Abuja in his welcome address at a one-day workshop for women and youth on corruption prevention, with the theme “Women and Youth Alliance Against Corruption,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

He stated that the conference was put together as a pivotal event dedicated to empowering two key groups, women and young people, in the fight against corruption.

“Today’s workshop is not just an event; it is a crucial platform that aims to highlight the pivotal roles that women and youth play in the fight against corruption. By uniting our voices and resources, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in our communities,” he stated.

According to the ICPC boss, engaging women and young people in the battle is essential, noting that they are often the first to feel the effects of corruption, yet they hold the keys to innovative solutions and transformative leadership.

He said, “Today’s workshop stands as a pillar of public engagement, fully aligned with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and the ICPC Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.”

Aliyu noted that the ICPC was committed to leveraging technology for mobilisation, building inclusive coalitions, and empowering marginalised voices to foster a more just and equitable society.

He added; “By engaging women and youth, our overarching objective is for our anti-corruption efforts to become more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable, leading to enhanced credibility, increased public support, innovative solutions, long-term impact, and, of course, a more just and equitable society for Nigerians.”

The ICPC boss enjoined those attending the event to participate actively in the panel discussions that followed, as their contributions would be “invaluable in shaping our collective efforts and formulating actionable recommendations to be captured in our communique.”

Earlier in her remarks, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, informed the audience that women, children, and marginalised communities bear the heaviest burden when corruption is allowed to thrive.

She said, “It is for their sake and the future of our beloved country, that we must remain resolute in our efforts to combat this scourge.

“As we gather today, let us reflect on the words of our elders: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ In the same vein, it takes the collective will of the entire nation to defeat corruption. We cannot leave this battle to government agencies alone.”

According to her, the fight against corruption requires the active participation of civil society, the private sector, and most importantly, the young people.

She charged women and youth to be at the forefront of the fight against corruption in the country, stressing: “We must move beyond the desire to have our voices heard and step into roles where our actions can make a difference. We must work towards creating safe spaces for our sisters and daughters, ensuring that their dignity is upheld and their rights protected.”

She lamented the growing issue of sexual exploitation in Nigeria’s educational institutions and workplaces, adding that the menace not only violates the rights of women but also threatens the moral fabric of our society.

She said, “As female leaders, legislators, and advocates, we must use our influence to push for legislation and policies that address these injustices head-on. A society that respects and values the contributions of women will undoubtedly flourish.”

The conference brought together leaders, activists, policymakers, and community members to address the unique challenges women and youth face in combating corruption.