By Motunrayo Ajayi. Abuja
To mark this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the launch of a Youth Help Desk, a platform designed to help young Nigerians report corruption and access support.
The announcement was made during the event themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, held at the UN House in Abuja on Tuesday.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Highlighting the challenges faced by young people in Nigeria’s justice system, Olawande noted that many youths are unjustly held in correctional facilities without trial. He emphasized that poverty, unemployment, and weak institutional structures often push youths toward crime, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust in the justice system.
“Too many young people are victims of a justice system that often fails them. A large number of prisoners are under the age of 35, many of whom have been held without trial for years. This initiative serves as a direct link between young Nigerians and the support they need to report corruption, seek justice, and access assistance,” Olawande said.
Fighting Drug Abuse with UNODC Partnership
The minister also announced a partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to combat the growing issue of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, particularly those aged 25–39. The collaboration aims to create safe spaces and provide resources to help young people overcome addiction and protect themselves from exploitation.
“Behind these numbers are countless stories of young people battling addiction, cybercrimes, and human trafficking. Together with UNODC, we are building a more effective response to these challenges, empowering our youth with knowledge and support,” Olawande stated.
Progress in Anti-Corruption Efforts
UNODC Country Director Cheikh Toure shared encouraging statistics on Nigeria’s fight against corruption, noting significant progress among the youth demographic:
- 70% of Nigerians have refused to pay a bribe at least once.
- 42% of respondents cited doing so because it was “the right thing to do.”
- Reporting bribery incidents has doubled from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023.
- Negative consequences for refusing to pay bribes have decreased from 49% in 2019 to 38% in 2023.
Toure praised the rising culture of integrity among Nigerian youth and called on stakeholders to sustain these efforts, stressing that *“long-term success requires effective preventive strategies and unwavering commitment.”
Youth at the Forefront
The event emphasized the vital role of Nigerian youth in shaping a future free from corruption. The Youth Help Desk initiative and the ministry’s partnership with UNODC represent critical steps toward empowering the nation’s young population and strengthening their ability to lead with integrity.
By Motunrayo Ajayi. Afro Connect Radio Abuja