The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has decried the devastating impact of corruption in Nigeria, urging citizens to overcome fear and courageously expose corrupt practices.
Speaking at an event in Yenagoa on Wednesday to mark Anti-Corruption Day, the Resident ICPC Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Rivers State, Mrs. Ekere Usiere, warned of dire consequences if the nation fails to confront corruption. The event was organised by the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
Delivering a presentation titled “From Fear to Courage: Overcoming Barriers to Whistleblowing in Nigeria,” Usiere highlighted the pervasive effects of corruption, stating, “There is no doubt that corruption has brought Nigeria to its knees, from economic underdevelopment to socio-political decay.”
She stressed the need for a robust whistleblower mechanism to combat corruption, adding, “We need an effective whistleblower mechanism as a critical tool to fight against corruption. To blow the whistle, citizens need courage. The absence of fear is courage.”
Usiere urged Nigerians to confront cultural, psychological, and systemic barriers that deter whistleblowing. “This programme is timely and necessary. We need to put on the armour of courage to fight corruption. If you see something, you must say something,” she said.
Earlier in the programme, Engr. Felix Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, commended the ACTU for its proactive efforts and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to institutional transparency.
Ogbe stated, “Today, we celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day, focusing on raising awareness among youths about the detrimental effects of corruption on socio-economic development. At NCDMB, we have taken deliberate steps to curb corruption, providing support to ACTU members and engaging in capacity-building initiatives.”
He elaborated on the board’s ongoing initiatives to mitigate corruption risks, including assessments in key operational areas such as human resources, procurement, and planning.
The event also featured a debate competition among secondary schools representing the six geo-political zones. Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State, emerged victorious, with Federal Government College, Kazaure, Jigawa State, securing second place.
