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Former lawmaker urges Nigerians to assess Oluremi Tinubu’s overall contributions rather than focus on controversial ‘akara’ remark

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Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani has defended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, urging Nigerians to judge her public service record based on her humanitarian interventions rather than the controversy generated by her recent remarks encouraging small-scale entrepreneurship.

Sani made the appeal in a post on his verified X account on Monday, following widespread public criticism of the First Lady’s suggestion that Nigerians facing economic hardship could engage in low-capital businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and selling kuli-kuli to earn a living.

The remarks sparked intense debate on social media, with critics describing them as insensitive to prevailing economic realities, while supporters argued that they promoted self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

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Sani Highlights First Lady’s Philanthropic Achievements

Defending the First Lady, Sani said her contributions to humanitarian causes since assuming office alongside President Bola Tinubu in May 2023 have been substantial and should not be overshadowed by a single comment.

“The record of the First Lady as one who raised billions for the moribund National Library on her birthday, and financially supported nursing schools, cancer research, tuberculosis eradication, tertiary education, widows and orphans of fallen soldiers, victims of communal and terrorist violence in Plateau and Borno states, the elderly across the states, artists and even victims of tanker explosions, should ideally be assessed and appreciated beyond the Akara comment,” Sani wrote.

He added: “Be fair, use facts and figures and just compare her outings with that of her recent predecessors.”

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Public Debate Continues Over Economic Realities

Sani’s intervention comes amid sustained public discourse over the role of public officials in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over rising living costs and declining purchasing power.

Supporters of the First Lady have pointed to several interventions undertaken through the Renewed Hope Initiative, including financial support for healthcare, education, social welfare, agricultural empowerment, assistance to widows and vulnerable groups, as well as humanitarian relief for victims of disasters and violent conflicts.

According to publicly announced programmes, the initiative has also committed significant funding to tuberculosis control, breast cancer intervention, nutrition programmes and educational scholarships across the country.

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Mixed Reactions Across Political Circles

The debate has continued to generate mixed reactions across political and social circles, reflecting broader public concerns over the nation’s economic situation. While critics insist that government officials should demonstrate greater sensitivity in their public comments, supporters maintain that encouraging entrepreneurship remains a practical response to economic hardship.

Sani, however, maintained that any objective assessment of the First Lady should consider her overall record of philanthropy and social interventions rather than focusing solely on one controversial statement.

A civil society group, under the umbrella of Forum for Good Governance and Accountability (FGGA), has dismissed the bribery allegations levelled against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, describing the claims as frivolous, baseless and unsupported by evidence.

The group’s reaction comes amid growing public debate over allegations recently made against the former Speaker of the House of Representatives by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed that Gbajabiamila demanded and received bribes in connection with the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The allegations have also attracted calls from opposition figures for an independent investigation.

In a statement signed by Dr. Mohammed Musa Kaura, the group maintained that Gbajabiamila’s long record in public service speaks for itself, insisting that the allegations do not reflect his reputation or career in government.

According to the group, Gbajabiamila served as Leader of the House of Representatives for eight years before becoming Speaker for another four years, and currently serves as Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

“Throughout these years of public service, he has never been found guilty of wrongdoing or corruption. The allegations being circulated against him are not only frivolous but completely unfounded,” the group stated.

It argued that public office holders should not be subjected to trial by media, stressing that accusations must be supported by credible evidence and investigated through lawful institutions rather than the court of public opinion.

The group warned against what it described as politically motivated attempts to tarnish the image of senior government officials through unverified allegations, saying such actions could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

It further urged Nigerians to allow due process to take its course and refrain from reaching conclusions before competent authorities establish the facts.

The group noted that Gbajabiamila has built a reputation over more than two decades in public service and legislative leadership, adding that his record as a lawmaker, Speaker of the House of Representatives and now Chief of Staff should not be overshadowed by what it described as “unsubstantiated accusations.”

The group however insisted that claims remain unproven and should be subjected to due legal process before any conclusions are drawn.

Kaduna, Nigeria – In a significant move to promote digital literacy and prepare citizens for the future of work, Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative (Musawah 4 Y-D Initiative) successfully organized a One-Day Intensive Capacity Building Training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Teachers, Lecturers, Students, and Other Professionals in Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone.

The highly impactful training attracted over 200 participants drawn from secondary and tertiary educational institutions, government establishments, private organizations, civil society groups, and the wider professional community. Participants included teachers, lecturers, students, school administrators, civil servants, entrepreneurs, NGO personnel, and other professionals seeking to understand and harness the growing opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence.

The training was organized in response to the increasing global adoption of Artificial Intelligence across education, business, healthcare, governance, communication, and virtually every sector of the economy. Recognizing that AI is rapidly reshaping how people learn, work, solve problems, and make decisions, Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative designed the programme to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills that can improve productivity, enhance research capabilities, and support professional development.

Speaking during the event, the National Coordinator of Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative emphasized that the organization remains committed to initiatives that promote education, innovation, youth empowerment, and human capital development.

According to the National Coordinator, Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future but a present-day reality that individuals and institutions must embrace to remain relevant and competitive.

“Our objective is to ensure that teachers, lecturers, students, and professionals are equipped with practical digital skills that will enable them to work smarter, improve learning outcomes, increase productivity, and take advantage of the opportunities created by emerging technologies. This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering people with knowledge that has lasting value.”

The technical sessions were facilitated by Samuel Ateh Stephen, Technology Strategist, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Consultant, and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Realist Tech Solutions (RTS), alongside Salamatu Nuhuakubu, an Applied Technology Trainer and Chief Executive Officer of SK Tech.

Together, the facilitators delivered practical sessions on Artificial Intelligence for Workplace Productivity, Research, and Professional Development, guiding participants through real-world applications of AI in education, research, business, and the workplace. Through live demonstrations and interactive exercises, participants gained hands-on experience in using AI tools to improve productivity, enhance learning, streamline professional tasks, and support informed decision-making.

Drawing from his experience in Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, and productivity systems, Samuel delivered practical sessions on Artificial Intelligence for Workplace Productivity and Artificial Intelligence for Research and Professional Development. Rather than focusing solely on theory, participants were taken through real-world demonstrations showing how AI can be applied to everyday tasks.

Participants learned practical applications of AI for report writing, professional communication, proposal development, meeting preparation, document summarization, lesson planning, academic research, presentation development, content creation, and workplace efficiency. Live demonstrations showcased how AI tools can significantly reduce the time required to complete routine tasks while improving the quality of work.

The training also highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption, encouraging participants to use AI as a tool that complements human intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking rather than replacing them.

One of the highlights of the programme was the interactive practical sessions, where participants engaged directly with modern AI tools and learned how to write effective prompts capable of generating meaningful and high-quality outputs for education, research, business, and professional work.

To ensure that learning continued beyond the event, participants received a specially developed AI Prompt Toolbox containing practical prompts covering research, lesson planning, report writing, proposal development, document summarization, productivity, professional communication, critical thinking, and career development. The resource was designed to help participants immediately apply the knowledge gained during the training in their respective workplaces, schools, businesses, and organizations.

Many participants described the programme as eye-opening, practical, and transformational, noting that it changed their perception of Artificial Intelligence from being a complex technology to becoming an accessible tool capable of improving daily work and learning.

The successful training reinforces Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion, educational advancement, and capacity building through practical learning initiatives that respond to the realities of today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

As Artificial Intelligence continues to redefine the global workforce, initiatives such as this provide an important platform for equipping Nigerians with the knowledge and practical skills needed to remain productive, innovative, and competitive in the digital economy.

The organizers expressed appreciation to all participants for their enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the programme and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting more initiatives that foster innovation, lifelong learning, and sustainable human capital development across Kaduna State and beyond.

About Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative

Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative is a youth-focused organization committed to promoting education, leadership development, community engagement, digital inclusion, and human capital development through impactful programmes and strategic interventions aimed at empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Media Contact

For interviews, media enquiries, or partnership opportunities:

Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative

Email: musawah4ydinitiatve@gmail.com
Phone: 07010305257
Website/Social Media: http://www.musawah.org.ng

…Laud Governor Uba Sani’s Support, Adequate Funding for Sports Development

Defending champions Kaduna State hockey teams, Kada Stars and Kada Queens, have expressed confidence ahead of the 2026 National Hockey Championship, vowing to retain their titles when the competition begins in Abuja on Friday.

The championship, scheduled to run from June 26 to July 4, is expected to attract some of Nigeria’s finest hockey talents, with 12 teams competing in the men’s category and eight teams battling for honours in the women’s event.

Kada Stars and Kada Queens head into the tournament as reigning national champions and among the favourites to emerge victorious once again, having established themselves as dominant forces in Nigerian hockey over the years.

Team officials and players said preparations for the championship had been completed, adding that both teams were determined to defend the titles they won at the previous edition of the competition.

Several players who spoke ahead of the tournament commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his administration’s support for sports development, particularly hockey, noting that increased funding and encouragement from the government had contributed significantly to their achievements on the national stage.

According to the players, the Kaduna State Government was recently honoured with the title of Grand Patron in recognition of its commitment to the growth and development of hockey as well as its consistent support for the state’s teams.

Sports stakeholders said Governor Sani’s administration has prioritised sports development as part of its broader youth empowerment agenda, with investments in sporting infrastructure, talent development, grassroots sports programmes and athlete welfare.

The players also acknowledged the contributions of Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, describing him as a committed supporter whose interventions and encouragement have helped sustain the teams’ championship-winning culture.

“The teams are highly motivated and in excellent condition. We have prepared very well, and the support from the state government has boosted our morale. We are optimistic about retaining our titles,” one of the players said.

During a visit to the teams’ training camp, former federal lawmaker and social commentator, Shehu Sani, urged the players to bring home more trophies and assured them that outstanding performances would attract recognition and rewards from the state government.

He charged the athletes to remain disciplined, focused and determined throughout the competition, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Kaduna State.

Sports analysts have consistently ranked Kaduna among Nigeria’s leading hockey centres, citing its long history of producing talented players and maintaining a strong presence in national competitions.

With expectations high among supporters and sports enthusiasts, Kada Stars and Kada Queens will be aiming to reinforce Kaduna State’s reputation as a powerhouse of Nigerian hockey when hostilities commence in Abuja this week.

The championship is expected to provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities while further strengthening the development of hockey across the country.

The Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi has stated that, the government wants Nigeria to be a hydrogen hub that would not just utilise, but export to other African countries.

The ECN Boss stated this in Abuja at the opening of a 3-day Summit on Low-Carbon Hydrogen Economy organised by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the European Union (EU).

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi explained that the global hydrogen market was predicted to reach 50 billion dollars in the coming decades, stressing that Nigeria should leverage its massive natural gas reserves to produce blue hydrogen and create a new economic opportunity while working toward cleaner alternatives.

According to him, “We have over 209 trillion cubic feet below the surface as reserves. What we are trying to do is to create another economy to utilise that gas.

“We want Nigeria to be a hydrogen hub where we cannot just utilise, but export to other African countries.

Speaking on why ECN conveyed the Summit, the DG said the Energy Commission of Nigeria exists to look beyond the next budget cycle and the next election – to plan for the energy decisions whose consequences will be felt in 2040 and in 2060.

“Hydrogen is precisely that kind of decision. It is not a technology we are testing. It is an economy we are choosing to build, or choosing to leave to others.

Speaking on ECN’S institutional track record, Dr Mustapha said, “This is not a position the Commission has arrived at suddenly. Nigeria’s National Energy Policy was first approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2003, and a new edition – alongside the National Energy Master Plan – was approved again in 2022.

“Both named hydrogen as a clean energy carrier within Nigeria’s energy future. What changed in the years since, is not our interest – it is our capacity to act on it. In 2023, this Commission inaugurated its Hydrogen Committee, and that Committee commenced its work immediately.

“Today, the Energy Commission of Nigeria serves as the Project Executing Entity for Nigeria’s Child Project under the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s Global Clean Hydrogen Programme – one of only nine countries worldwide selected into that programme’s first phase.

“Under it, this Commission is already executing technical assistance for green hydrogen pilot demonstration.

“This Summit is not Nigeria’s starting point on hydrogen. It is Nigeria’s acceleration point. Nigeria’s Hydrogen Leapfrog begins here.

While speaking at the Summit, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udey said the Federal Government is determined to provide the enabling environment for effective utilisation of the nation’s abundant low-carbon hydrogen energy resources under its energy diversification initiatives.

As part of the blueprints towards achieving the objective, Udey said that a national hydrogen policy draft had reached an advanced stage and would become operational as soon as possible.

The Minister, represented by Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, described Nigeria’s hydrogen as a critical component of the nation’s clean energy transition plan.

“This government commits to ensuring that the regulatory clarity our agencies require to act, is not the obstacle to achieving economic diversification,” he said.

The Minister noted the technical support from Germany and UNIDO, but cautioned that necessary regulatory work and licensing, belonged strictly to Nigerian institutions.

“Our partners have offered Nigeria a door; they have not offered to walk through it on our behalf.

Mr Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager for Energy at the European Union Delegation, said that clean hydrogen offers immense opportunities for Nigeria to meet its net-zero and renewable targets.

“We are not only just interested in the knowledge that you are going to get. How does this translate into concrete investment?

“How does this help Nigeria meet its energy target? That is what we will be looking forward to see and we are going to follow this up strictly,” he said.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr Semiu Adeniran, emphasised that low-carbon hydrogen was revolutionary for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like manufacturing and transport.

Represented by Kazeem Fatai, a Senior Statistician at the National Bureau of Statistics, Adeniran warned that successful transition frameworks should be evidence-based and economically viable.

“The development of a successful hydrogen ecosystem demands an entirely new baseline of robust statistics.

“We need high fidelity data tracking energy input-output ratios, infrastructure factor flows, green jobs, and crucially disaggregated data on industrial process,” he said.

Etiosa Uyigue, Executive Director of the Community Research and Development Centre, stated that the EU-funded project actively supports multiple core government agencies.

He listed the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency and the Rural Electrification Agency among institutions receiving crucial capacity building and data collection support.

“The overall objective of the project is to support the government efforts to achieve the energy transition goals,” He said

A low-carbon hydrogen economy is an economic model that uses hydrogen as a primary energy carrier and industrial raw material, produced with significantly reduced or net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

It is a critical component of global net-zero strategies designed to eliminate pollution from sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation, shipping, and heavy manufacturing (e.g., steel and cement)

The economic importance of a low-carbon hydrogen economy lies in its ability to decarbonize energy-intensive industries, generate new jobs through infrastructure development, and enhance global energy security by diversifying fuel supplies.

It acts as a critical economic enabler for a sustainable green transition.

By Adoke Adoma

ABUJA – The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has declared its readiness to forge a political alliance with Hausa Land, describing the two regions as the undeniable majority population of Northern Nigeria that must unite to resist domination by a “more organised minority.”

In a statement signed by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, on Wednesday, the MBF said the time had come for greater cooperation between the peoples of both regions to improve security, promote economic development, and build a stronger political partnership that reflects the aspirations of ordinary citizens.

The forum was responding to the recent call by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, who urged his communities to organise against the growing threats of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in his emirate.

The MBF commended the Emir’s courage and patriotism, describing his intervention as a “wake-up call” for traditional rulers across the Middle Belt, regardless of religion or ethnicity, to emulate his initiative.

“The over 200 ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt stand in solidarity with all Hausa people who believe in a peaceful, secure, democratic and prosperous Nigeria where every group enjoys equal rights and opportunities away from the domination of a minority,” the statement read.

The forum listed Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kwara, Adamawa, Gombe, Kogi, Taraba, the FCT, Southern Kaduna, Southern Kebbi, Southern Bauchi, Southern Borno and Southern Yobe as areas that have suffered enormous human and economic losses from the activities of Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and other terrorist groups.

It noted with interest the growing number of indigenous Hausa voices calling for justice, self-determination, and greater participation in shaping their political and economic future.

Following consultations with key stakeholders from across the Middle Belt and Hausa Land, the MBF said it hopes to convene a Security and Political Summit before 2027 to help form an alliance on their shared socio-political future.

“We cannot afford to allow historical grievances, religious and ethnic divides to shackle us for the exploitation and domination of a more organised minority in both in the Middle Belt and Hausa Land,” the forum added.

The MBF urged communities across the Middle Belt, which it said have carried the heaviest burdens of terrorism and kidnapping, to begin serious discussions on how to strengthen community safety and survival within the law.

“The time to move is now,” the statement concluded.

A women-focused advocacy organization, the Women Rights Advocacy Group (WOREG), has accused activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, of allegedly using the judiciary and judicial officers as instruments for personal publicity and social media content creation.

The group which made the allegation in a statement signed by the Convener, Mrs Amina Dikko, condemned what it described as repeated attacks on judges and judicial institutions by the former presidential candidate.

According to WOREG, Sowore’s comments and conduct in relation to ongoing court proceedings amount to a deliberate attempt to undermine public confidence in the judiciary and erode respect for the rule of law.

The group expressed concern that persistent public criticism directed at judges handling sensitive cases could exert undue pressure on the courts and create an atmosphere of intimidation around judicial officers.

“While every citizen has the constitutional right to freedom of expression, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law. The judiciary remains a critical pillar of democracy and should not be subjected to reckless attacks aimed at generating publicity or online engagement,” the statement said.

WOREG maintained that disagreements with court decisions should be addressed through established legal mechanisms, including the appellate process, rather than through public campaigns that may be interpreted as attempts to discredit judicial officers.

The organization further warned that sustained attacks on judges could weaken public trust in the justice system and threaten the independence of the courts.

It called on political actors, activists, civil society organizations and members of the public to respect judicial processes and allow courts to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without interference.

The group also urged relevant authorities and professional bodies to continue safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary while ensuring that legitimate criticism of judicial decisions remains constructive and consistent with democratic principles.

According to the statement, the concerns come amid ongoing public debates surrounding several high-profile court cases and growing discussions about the role of social media in shaping public perceptions of judicial proceedings.

WOREG noted that Sowore has on several occasions publicly criticized judicial decisions and institutions, arguing that scrutiny of the justice sector is necessary to promote accountability.

However, the Women group insisted that criticism should not degenerate into personal attacks on judges or attempts to ridicule the judicial system for political advantage or media attention.

The advocacy group reiterated its call for responsible public engagement on judicial matters, stressing that the preservation of judicial independence remains essential to the sustenance of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The Access to Justice and Accountability Forum (AJAF) has strongly condemned human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over what it described as persistent attacks on the Nigerian judiciary and alleged acts of contempt against courts and judges.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Mustapha Sani, and Secretary, Emmanuel David Mahu, the civil society organisation expressed concern over what it termed Sowore’s repeated public comments and actions aimed at discrediting judicial officers and undermining confidence in the nation’s justice system.

AJAF stated that while citizens have the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the right to seek accountability from public institutions, such rights must be exercised within the boundaries of the law and with due respect for judicial processes.

According to the group, recent remarks attributed to Sowore regarding ongoing legal proceedings and judicial officers amount to an attempt to influence public perception of matters before competent courts, a development it said could erode public trust in the administration of justice.

“The judiciary remains one of the most critical pillars of Nigeria’s democracy. Any attempt to malign judges without verifiable evidence or to subject judicial officers to public ridicule poses a serious threat to the rule of law and democratic governance,” the statement read.

The organisation further noted that criticism of judicial decisions should be pursued through lawful channels, including appeals and established complaint mechanisms, rather than through public campaigns that could bring the courts into disrepute.

AJAF urged political actors, activists and civil society groups to uphold the sanctity and independence of the judiciary, stressing that disagreements with court rulings should not translate into personal attacks against judges.

The forum also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders in the justice sector to remain vigilant in protecting judicial institutions from intimidation and undue pressure.

Reaffirming its commitment to the promotion of justice, accountability and democratic values, AJAF urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at strengthening public confidence in the nation’s legal system.

“The integrity of the judiciary must be protected at all times. Democracy thrives when institutions are respected and disputes are resolved through lawful and constitutional means,” the statement added.

By Musa Maye

Abuja, Nigeria

Step Up Nigeria has renewed calls for the enactment of a comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Law in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to provide stronger legal safeguards for citizens who expose corruption, misconduct, and unethical practices.

The call was made during a media roundtable organized by Step Up Nigeria in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) as part of activities commemorating the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Director of Programmes at Step Up Nigeria, Mrs. Feranmi Iyanda, expressed concern over the continued absence of a dedicated legal framework protecting whistleblowers in Nigeria despite the existence of a whistleblower policy introduced in 2016.

According to her, the lack of statutory protection exposes individuals who report corruption and wrongdoing to intimidation, victimization, and retaliation.

“Everything we are advocating here is for the law to protect whistleblowers. We want to have a whistleblower protection law in Nigeria.

“There is currently no whistleblower protection law that clearly mandates protections for whistleblowers in Nigeria. Across the entire African continent, only eight countries have enacted whistleblower protection laws, which shows there is still significant work to be done,” she said.

The media roundtable brought together anti-corruption advocates, media practitioners, civil society stakeholders, students, and young creatives to discuss the importance of whistleblowing, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in strengthening democratic governance.

Representing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Suleiman Achile, Deputy Director of the Civil Society Mobilisation Unit, highlighted ongoing efforts by the Commission to build a culture of integrity among young Nigerians.

Speaking through Dr. Babasola Oluwasina, Deputy Director of the Education Department, Achile explained that the Commission has established Anti-Corruption Clubs in secondary schools and Student Anti-Corruption Vanguards in tertiary institutions across the country.

“The ICPC has developed several youth engagement programmes focused on integrity and accountability. At the secondary school level, we have Anti-Corruption Clubs, while in tertiary institutions we have Student Anti-Corruption Vanguards.

“These initiatives are designed to equip young people with the values of honesty, integrity, and accountability so they can become responsible citizens and ethical leaders wherever they find themselves,” he said.

He further noted that the Commission is implementing the National Ethics and Integrity Policy as part of broader efforts to strengthen ethical standards and promote responsible conduct across all sectors of society.

A major highlight of the event was the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, which provided a platform for young Nigerians to use creativity and storytelling as tools for advocacy.

According to the Communications Manager of Step Up Nigeria, Dr. Shekwogaza Kure, the competition was designed to amplify youth voices and encourage conversations around whistleblower protection, anti-corruption, transparency, accountability, and responsible citizenship.

“The competition was created to provide young Nigerians with a platform to use art and media as instruments for social change. It encourages critical conversations around whistleblowing, transparency, accountability, and the urgent need for stronger legal protections for whistleblowers in Nigeria,” Kure stated.

He disclosed that the competition attracted 172 entries from across the country, comprising 111 male participants and 61 female participants, demonstrating growing youth interest in governance and anti-corruption advocacy.

Winners emerged from various categories including music, skits, poetry and spoken word, artwork, and digital media. The overall winners received cash prizes of ₦500,000 each, while runners-up received ₦200,000 each in recognition of their outstanding advocacy contributions.

The category winners included Gilbert Owan (Skits), Damilola Akinfolarin (Music), Anita Nwokoji (Poetry and Spoken Word), Moses Sodipo (Artwork), and Oguche Onuche.

Speaking on behalf of the winners, Anita Nwokoji urged Nigerians to reject silence in the face of corruption and wrongdoing.

“Wrongdoing is wrongdoing, whether it occurs in the workplace, in our communities, in schools, religious institutions, or any other environment. People must be willing to speak up whenever they witness corruption or misconduct,” she said.

Participants at the roundtable emphasized that corruption is not limited to government institutions alone but can exist in homes, businesses, schools, religious organizations, and communities. They stressed that promoting integrity and accountability requires collective action from all citizens.

The event concluded with renewed commitments from civil society organizations, media professionals, youth leaders, and anti-corruption advocates to continue championing whistleblower protection reforms and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability across Nigeria.

The World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition forms part of Step Up Nigeria’s broader mission to empower citizens, especially young people, to become active champions of integrity, good governance, and social accountability.