ANEEJ Set to train Young Anti-Corruption Activists and Championships August 26-30.
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. August 25, 2019… The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ Centre for Corruption Studies is set to undertake the first round of mentorship and training of young anti-corruption activists and champions in the Niger Delta.
A statement issued in Benin City yesterday by ANEEJ and signed by its Acting Executive Director, Mr. Leo Atakpu stated that ‘’the anti-corruption training which is part of activities of the Open Niger Delta (OPENED) Project being supported by Bread for the World Germany, is borne out of the need to rescue the upcoming generation of young Nigerians from the evil of corruption.
“The training is designed to enhance the knowledge of young activists in the Niger Delta and will be organised bi-annually, from 2020. The course content of the week-long training includes: the concept and context of corruption in Nigeria; and institutional arrangements for corruption prevention.
Atakpu further stated that the training will examine typical corruption schemes and situation in Nigeria; understanding the social norms and behaviours that promote corruption and exploring alternative approaches to anti-corruption; and how to use social media tools to undertake campaign on anti-corruption, among others. Participants will be issued an Anti-corruption champion certificate after completing the training.’’
The ANEEJ boss noted that corruption has been identified as a major clog in the wheel of progress and development of Nigeria and there was the need to make deliberate efforts at curbing the menace of corruption by harvesting a willing pool of young Nigerians to stand up against corruption at any given place and time.
“Like other regions of the country, the Niger Delta is yet to harness the massive economic resources endowed in the region for the good of the people. Instead, poverty, low life expectancy, unemployment and hunger have continued to ravage the region. Some of the states in the region have failed to transform the huge revenue allocations received to entrench both human and capital development.
“The training is coming at a time when Nigeria is faced with numerous cases of corruption in virtually every aspect of our lives. Only recently, the US Attorney’s office, released the identities of about 80 Nigerians (some of whom have already been arrested) involved in massive fraud and money laundry cases, worth $40 million. Most of the persons involved are youths and this is not good for the future of Nigeria,” Mr. Atakpu stated.
“As a development focused organisation, we would not rest until Nigerians fully benefit from their God-given resources. We would continue to act to change the bad governance practices in the country,” Atakpu posited.
For further information, please contact: info@aneej.org