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
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day

FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
National News
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
National News
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
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