Magu Charges Nigerian Youths on Anti-graft War

Magu Charges Nigerian Youths on Anti-graft War

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has charged Nigerian youths to be at the forefront of the fight against corruption, because they are the future of country.

“We value the fertile minds of the Nigerian child and will continue to ensure that we galvanize this critical component of the country in our anti-corruption crusade,” he said.

Magu, who was represented by Osita Nwajah, EFCC’s director of Public Affairs, made the assertion at the special parade, which held at the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja as part of activities to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration, May 28, 2018.

The anti-graft agency, according to him, views the children as the future anti-corruption warriors that will carry on the fight against corruption. He noted that mindful of the role the youths play in accomplishing the mission of the agency, it had rejuvenated its EFCC-Integrity Club in various schools including the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.

“The EFCC-Integrity Club is an integral part of our enlightenment and re-orientation activities, and it is focused on galvanizing children in the primary and secondary schools, as well as youths in the tertiary institutions, to join in the fight against corruption,” he said.

He used the opportunity to further highlight some of the major efforts by the EFCC, aimed at rallying children across Nigerian schools, including the Creative Youths Initiative against Corruption, CYIAC Corruption Busters. The initiative, according to him, included creative artworks and innovations by the children, to emphasize the anti-corruption message using paintings, music, poetry, literary works and information technology.

“The positive outcome of the partnership yielded the award in Global Sustainable development Goals, SDGs innovator category in March this year,” he added.

He used to opportunity to call on organizations in the country to partner with the EFCC, like African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICML), Women Environment Program (WEB), Right Path Anti-Corruption Initiative aka Boo Corruption, who have in the past partnered with the EFCC to rally Nigerian youths against corruption.

Quoting Oliver Tambo, a foremost South African revolutionary who said that: “The children of any nation are its future”, he called on Non-governmental organizations and Civil Society groups in the country to partner with the EFCC in order to explore the fertile minds of Nigerian youths towards achieving success in the fight against corruption, and a better future for the country.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Alhassan, who delivered the keynote address, was among dignitaries that attended the event, including Representative of the Chief Judge FCT, Traditional and Religious leaders including His Royal Highness, Usman Nga Kupi, the Sapeyiof Garki, Abuja, His Royal Highness Sarkin Pai, the paramount ruler of Kwali, Estu Kwali, HRH Shaban Audu Nizozo( III), Obieke Thersa, Deputy Director, Co-curricular activities, for FCT Universal Basic Education, UBE.

The Children’s Day celebration included a walk against corruption from the Police Officers Wives Association, POWA International Children School, to the Old Parade Ground. In attendance were staff of the EFCC, as well as pupils and teachers from POWA, Sheika Abubukar Gummi Academy, Asokoro; Youth Arise Football Academy, Maitama; Eagle House Education Center; Kuje Government Secondary School, Karu; Command Children’s School, Lungi Barracks, Maitama; Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Wuse 2; Junior Secondary School, Area 1; New Gateway International School (NGIS); Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Area 1; Junior Secondary School, Area 1; Junior Secondary School, Garki, Area 10; Junior Secondary School, Zone 1; Science Primary School, Bwari; Regina Pacs College, Garki; Government Science and Technical College, Garki; Army Day Secondary School; IBM Mas’ud Islamic Center, Kuje; Army Children School, Maitama; Army Day Junior Secondary School, Asokoro; Junior Secondary School, Tudun Wada; Air Force Girl’s Comprehensive School, Airport Road; Baptist High School, Kubwa; Government Junior Secondary School, Jabi; and Government Day Secondary School, Karu, Abuja.