End corruption now or lose tomorrow — Anti-corruption campaigners in Anambra warn
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.
They insisted that the anti-graft war must be won to safeguard the country’s future.
The held in partnership with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Civil Society and Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative (CMAAI).
It 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.
RoLAC Coordinator in Anambra, Dr. Josephine Onah, on the occasion said, “Corruption kills systems.
“So, and we must unite to defeat it”
Dr. Onah explained 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,” she said.
“It is now a norm 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 is not for the government alone. “Every sector must rise — civil society, the media, private and public institutions alike. It’s our collective responsibility.”
Corruption is solvable
Lead consultant, Prof. Ada Chidi-Igbokwe, said Nigerians can win the anti-graft war 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.
“We lose massive resources to corruption on daily basis,” he said.
“Our youths are frustrated daily because opportunities are hoarded or sold to the highest bidder. Corruption shuts doors on competence.”
Media pledges support
At the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Managing Director Christopher Molokwu received the campaign team and pledged institutional support for sustained public sensitization.
“A society that tolerates corruption destroys its own future,” he said.
“We must all rise and resist it — there is no alternative.”
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.
