The determination to end corruption in Anambra State gained fresh momentum on Tuesday as the Anambra State Anti-Corruption Strategy (ANSACS) Steering Committee led a city-wide awareness walk and town hall meeting, insisting that the anti-graft war must be won to safeguard the country’s future.
The rally, held in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Civil Society and Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative (CMAAI), was part of activities marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption — Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
The event received funding support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, headed in Anambra by Dr. Josephine Onah.
Speaking to participants, Dr. Onah stated that ‘Corruption is killing systems, we must defeat it’ and that RoLAC’s involvement in the campaign stems from a deep concern over the devastating impact of corruption on Nigeria’s growth.
“Corruption destroys systems, weakens service delivery and limits development,” Onah said.
“It is now so normalised that people barely recognise the damage it does, but we cannot build a future on rot. We must dismantle corruption completely for the sake of generations coming after us.”
She stressed that the fight cannot be left to government alone.
“Every sector must rise, civil society, the media, private and public institutions alike. It’s our collective responsibility.”
Lead consultant, Prof. Ada Chidi-Igbokwe, described the anti-graft struggle as a battle Nigerians can win if individuals stop enabling the system.
“Corruption is not invincible. We must stop blaming only leaders and begin policing ourselves. Do the right thing even when no one is watching — that is integrity.”
Another consultant, Prof. Onyeukwu Onyeukwu, painted a grim picture of the consequences of corruption globally, noting that the vice fuels conflict, inequality and wasted potential.
“Massive resources are lost to corruption.
Our youths are frustrated daily because opportunities are hoarded or sold to the highest bidder. Corruption shuts doors on competence.” Onyeukwu said.
At the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Managing Director, Mr. Christopher Molokwu received the campaign team and pledged institutional support for sustained public sensitization.
“A society that tolerates corruption destroys its own future. We must all rise and resist it, there is no alternative.” Molokwu said.
With voices aligning across civil society, the media, academia and government institutions, Tuesday’s campaign strengthened a shared resolve — that Nigeria’s recovery depends on defeating corruption, and the war must not be lost.
