By Igbotako Nowinta
At a charged gathering in Abuja on December 9th, 2025, young Nigerians were handed a bold challenge: disrupt corruption, rewrite the nation’s future, and refuse to accept business as usual.
This call came powerfully from Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), as he opened the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day Public Dialogue at Rockview Hotel, (Royale), Abuja, Wuse II.
Ugolor told the audience , dominated by energetic young people that Nigeria’s destiny will be shaped by their courage, values, and willingness to ask hard questions.
“The future integrity of this nation rests on your shoulders,” he declared. “Challenge the status quo. Demand accountability. Bring fresh ideas. The dialogue today belongs to you.”
He stressed that understanding the drivers of corruption and illicit financial flows is no longer optional for the youth: “Meaningful action begins with knowledge.”
Taking a broader view, Ugolor noted that this year’s global Anti-Corruption Day holds special weight for Nigeria, which is struggling to secure gains in reforms around asset recovery, beneficial ownership transparency, anti-money laundering, and citizen accountability.
He added that youths who embody creativity, innovation, and moral clarity , have the power to ignite movements and reshape governance across all levels.
“Young people cannot remain spectators. They must sit at the national table,” Ugolor said, unveiling plans to deepen partnerships linking youth groups with government, civil society, private sector actors, and development agencies.
He closed with a striking reminder: “No government can fight corruption alone. This is a collective battle rooted in responsibility, advocacy, and an unshakeable commitment to justice.”
Declaring the event open, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, urged youths to reject bribery, push for public officials to declare their assets, and demonstrate patriotism through everyday actions.
In a hard-hitting keynote, John Onyeukwu, Founder of the Institute for Social Impact Practice and Leadership (ISIPL), warned that impunity has deeply eroded Nigeria’s social, economic, and political fabric. He challenged young Africans to boldly pursue leadership and champion strong institutions.
The event’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” resounded through the hall, drawing engagement from government leaders, civil society groups, development partners, media organizations, and a vibrant assembly of young Nigerians.
Supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Bread for the World (BftW), Germany, the programme continues to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat illicit financial flows, improve asset recovery, and promote transparent use of recovered assets.
ANEEJ’s work, speakers noted, has consistently proven that when citizens especially the youth stand united, corruption loses ground.
The event closed with an “Action Charge” led by Leo Atakpu, Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, who challenged youth-led groups to make concrete commitments on what they will do after the dialogue to sustain the fight for integrity.
