National News
UNODC: Many Nigerians See Corruption as Anathema, Ready to Fight it to a Standstill

UNODC: Many Nigerians See Corruption as Anathema, Ready to Fight it to a Standstill
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has said that Nigeria is on the right track to seeing an end to a culture of correction as many of its citizens see corruption as anathema and are willing to wage war to stop the virus.
Speaking on Monday at the Commemoration of 2024 International Anti-corruption day with the theme: Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity, the UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure said: “Our recent national corruption survey reveals encouraging signs of progress. An impressive 70% of Nigerians, including our youth, have refused to pay a bribe on at least one occasion. This statistic is not just a number; it represents a growing culture of integrity and resistance against
corruption.
“Moreover, 42% of respondents refused to pay bribes simply because it was “the right thing to do”. This moral stance is the foundation upon which we must build our anti-corruption efforts.
“We’ve also seen a significant increase in the willingness to report bribery
incidents, more than doubling from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023. This surge in civic responsibility is partly due to the increased accessibility of complaint channels, including social networks, websites, and apps.”
He noted that: “Our collective efforts are yielding tangible results. The rate of negative consequences for refusing to pay bribes has decreased from 49% in 2019
to 38% in 2023. Furthermore, we’ve witnessed a nearly threefold increase
in the initiation of formal procedures against corrupt public officials, rising
from 16% to 45% between 2019 and 2023.
“These figures demonstrate that our institutions are taking complaints more seriously and are more willing to act on them.”
He however said: “Despite these positive developments, we must acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. We must ask ourselves: How can we further foster integrity, transparency, and
accountability in the public sector? How can we empower our youth to be an integral part of the solution?”
He added that: “As Felipe Paullier, the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, powerfully stated:”Corruption impacts us all, but for the 1.9 billion young people alive today, its effects can be devastating. It robs them of opportunities, erodes trust in institutions, and threatens their aspirations of a fair and sustainable future.”
Toure, while noting that Corruption is not
an abstract concept; it has real, daily consequences for all of us as it
diminishes resources for education, healthcare, social development, and
climate action, and stifles creativity, limits job prospects, and even affects
the fairness of sports and public life, said: “But there is hope, and that hope lies in our youth. Young people are not
merely victims of corruption; they are powerful agents of change.”
He noted that: “AcrossNigeria and around the world, young people are organizing in their communities, promoting accountability, and advocating for ethical behavior. They are natural innovators, leveraging new technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence to increase transparency and combat corruption.”
Toure added that: “To our policymakers, educators, civil society, and the private sector: it’s time to give youth a seat at the table. Listen to their voices and involve
them in decisions that shape their future.
“To our young people: demand accountability, share your innovative
solutions, and lead by example in your communities.”
He stressed that: “The fight against corruption is not the sole responsibility of the government or anti-corruption authorities. It requires the collective effort
of all stakeholders – women, youth, civil society organisations, the private
sector, and youth leaders. Each of us has a crucial role to play.”
On his part, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said: “I am here today not just to talk about the problems but to assure our young people that we are listening, and we are acting. Our goal is simple: to create a system that protects, supports, and empowers every young Nigerian.”
He noted that: “The challenges are clear. Across the country, too many young people find themselves victims of a justice system that often fails them.”
He lamented that: “A large number of our prisoners are under the age of 35, and many are held without trial for years. This troubling reality highlights a dual crisis: young people facing systemic delays in accessing justice and the growing involvement of youth in criminal activities.
“Economic hardship, lack of opportunities, and weak institutional structures often push our young people toward crime, further fueling the cycle of mistrust in the system.”
He equally decried that: “At the same time, the rising wave of drug abuse is tearing through our communities. The prevalence is particularly high among those aged 25-39, a core youth demographic.
“Behind these figures are countless stories of young people struggling with addiction, cybercrimes, victims of Human Trafficking, unable to find help, and battling stigma that pushes them further into isolation.
“Mental health challenges, often ignored or misunderstood, only make this crisis worse. For many, seeking help is not even an option because of the cultural and institutional barriers they face.
“Human trafficking is another reality we cannot ignore. It preys on the vulnerability of our youth, robbing them of their dignity and freedom. Corruption enables these networks to flourish, making it even more critical that we act decisively to protect our young people.”
He however said: “In response to these urgent issues, the Ministry of Youth Development established the Nigerian Youth Help Desk. This initiative serves as a direct link between young Nigerians and the support they need. It is a platform where they can report cases of corruption, seek justice, and access the help they need.”
He added that: “To our young people, I say this: your voices matter, your struggles are understood, and your aspirations are at the heart of our efforts.
“As we mark this important day, let us remember that corruption can only thrive in the shadows. By shining a light on it through action, vigilance, and collaboration, we can build a nation where honesty and integrity reign supreme. This is our commitment, our responsibility, and our shared purpose.”
UNODC: Many Nigerians See Corruption as Anathema, Ready to Fight it to a Standstill
National News
One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State

One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have attacked Gari Village in Masamagu area of Niger State, killing one person and abducting another in a violent incident that occurred on Wednesday night.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the attack happened at about 9:30 p.m. on July 24, when six unidentified gunmen stormed the community and macheted a 55-year-old man, Umaru Zakiru, to death.
They also abducted one Hussaini Muhammed to an unknown destination, but the victim later escaped from captivity with a gunshot wound.
A tram of security forces responded promptly and evacuated both the deceased and the injured to the General Hospital in Kontagora for autopsy and medical treatment.
A manhunt has been launched to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.
One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State
National News
Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them

Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians in Diaspora of his administration’s determination to continue to provide the enabling environment and policies that will boost their active participation in the country’s governance.
Tinubu gave the assurance at the opening of the National Diaspora Day celebrations 2025 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This year’s celebration is themed: “Optimizing formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and growth”.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said: “We will continue to provide an enabling platform for effective policies for the Diaspora with the view to galvanizing your support for this administration and concretizing our democracy, optimizing your potentials and setting a good example for other African countries to emulate.
“Let me also state that we will look into the Challenges NiDCOM has enumerated with a view to ameliorating same so that we can harvest maximally the benefits of migration through the engagements with our Diaspora for national development and growth.”
He added that: “It is a great delight to address our over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora on this auspicious occasion of the celebration of our National Diaspora Day 2025.”
“Only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.
The President highlighted the contributions of the diaspora, which include increasing remittances, pointing out that in 2024 alone, “Nigerians abroad sent home $20.9 billion through official channels—more than four times the value of the country’s foreign direct investment.
He said: “The Nigerians in the diaspora are also actively investing in our health care, agriculture, education, information, communication technology, housing and real estate, sports, transportation, oil and gas, and other sectors.
“This, I must say, is commendable and in our enlightened self-interest.”
The President stressed how highly the government rates the Nigerians in diaspora, saying “Our renewed hope for foreign policy recognises the diaspora as the fourth pillar for the agenda—namely democracy, demography, development, and diaspora.
In his goodwill message, the minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said:
“When you go to any part of the world, maybe in Asia, Africa, South America, you will see Nigerians excelling. Nigerians breaking barriers. Nigerians breaking ceilings. And Nigerians using ceilings as springboards to greatness.”
The Minister highlighted the economic potential of diaspora remittances—comparing Nigeria’s $21bn in 2024 remittances to $32.91bn in oil earnings and India’s $135.46bn diaspora inflows.
He said: “What does that tell you? It tells you that the power of economic emancipation, a lot of this resides within you, beyond your own imagination,” he said.
The minister also explained that the administration is laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity—even if short-term sacrifices are required.
“You cannot cure a tumor by virtue of a paracetamol. It is important that the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President came into being. And today, we can see the results. We can see the economic stability of this country,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also spoke on the reforms in his ministry which include immigration and the protection of critical national infrastructure.
He therefore called on the diaspora community to trust in the country’s direction under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Nigeria has never been ready for investment more than now. We are ready for investment.
“I assure you, under the leadership of this President, you will never regret your investment. Nigeria loves you. Nigeria cares about you. And this particular administration cares about you,” he said.
Earlier, in her remark, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said “The theme is apt to appreciate the efforts of both the government and the diaspora community in nation building and also to discuss how to make diaspora engagements better for national development.”
She emphasised the role of Nigerians in diaspora in the country’s development.
Dabiri-Erewa announced a proposed Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme. The initiative would allow professionals in the diaspora to take part in six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria, aimed at promoting knowledge transfer and innovation across sectors.
“It will strengthen their role in nation-building and serve as a knowledge-driven giveback to the fatherland,” she added.
Highlights of the event was the unveiling of a new Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing Platform, aimed at providing secure housing opportunities for diaspora Nigerians seeking to invest back home.
Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them
National News
Nasarawa: Security operatives arrest six over kidnapping, rape and robbery in Doma

Nasarawa: Security operatives arrest six over kidnapping, rape and robbery in Doma
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Nasarawa State have arrested six suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang responsible for a series of violent crimes in Yelwa Ediya village, Doma Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Darda’u Shehu, Yunusa Malami Hashimu, Musa Abubakar, Ibrahim Musa, Mohammed Musa, and Jibrin Lafia, were apprehended during a coordinated raid based on actionable intelligence from a concerned resident.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping of a local councillor, Hon. Ari Muhammad, on May 26, 2025. They further disclosed that one of their members, Darda’u Shehu, raped the councillor’s wife, Talatu Ari, during the abduction and stole two mobile phones an Infinix Note 30 valued at ₦250,000 and a Tecno phone valued at ₦20,000.
The gang also confessed to mounting a roadblock along the Doma–Yelwa Road on July 19, where they attacked one Ibrahim Haruna and snatched his Bajaj motorcycle worth ₦970,000.
Recovered from the suspects were ₦100,000 in cash and one Bajaj motorcycle believed to have been taken from one of their victims.
The suspects also named their gang leaders as Bammi Alhaji Amme (alias Zomo) and one Lawali (surname unknown), who are currently on the run.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang and bring them to justice.
End
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