By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence in recognition of the Commission’s sustained efforts in anti-corruption advocacy and youth empowerment across the country.
The award was presented during the 2nd National Sitting and Leadership Conference of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), which held in Abuja under the theme, “From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youths for National Security.”
Dr. Aliyu, who was represented at the event by the Commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Demola Bakare, described the award as “a recognition of what the ICPC stands for,” noting that the Commission’s focus remains firmly on “mobilising young people for action.”
In an official statement issued by Mr. Bakare, the ICPC Chairman stressed that Nigerian youths are not just future leaders but active partners in the current quest for national peace, security, and development. He revealed that the Commission has established a specialised unit dedicated solely to youth engagement as part of its strategic approach to nation-building.
“ICPC is not interested in confrontation with the youth, but in meaningful engagement,” he said, adding that active participation in governance and nation-building, rather than street protests, would yield more enduring outcomes. “What ICPC wants is not just inclusion, but also participation and strategic action that is level-headed.”
Dr. Aliyu also urged young Nigerians to shun roles as agents of violence and instead embrace the position of peace ambassadors. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that harness the energy and innovation of Nigerian youth for national growth.
He commended the Youth Assembly of Nigeria for focusing on entrepreneurship as a tool for transformation, noting that “Entrepreneurship reduces poverty and unemployment, and when that is reduced, there are fewer hands for the devil to use.”
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, who was also represented at the event, applauded the initiative and described Nigerian youths as “protectors, partners, and peacebuilders of today.” He encouraged them to transition from being passive recipients of government policy to becoming active architects of national peace and security.
In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Harritex Group, Chief Sir Henry Njoku, highlighted the challenges currently confronting Nigerian youths and urged them to take ownership of the country’s transformation. “Change must come from within,” he said.
The conference also featured a presentation on entrepreneurship skills as a transformative tool for young Nigerians, delivered by Engineer Zaharaddeen Usman.
The event culminated in the presentation of the Award of Excellence to Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu and other distinguished recipients for their contributions to national development and youth empowerment.
