By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) in Partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development, have launched an initiative , the Youth Help Desk, to combat corruption and empower Nigeria’s youth, in the fight against corruption for national development.
The inauguration of the initiative which took place on International Anti-Corruption Day, marks a significant step towards harnessing the power of young Nigerians in the fight against corruption.
Corruption continues to affect Nigeria’s development, impacting citizens across all demographics, however, its effects are particularly devastating for the nation’s youth, who represent a substantial portion of the population.
This pervasive issue continue to increase, depriving young people of crucial opportunities in education, employment, public engagement, sports, and access to essential services, which calls for a comprehensive approach towards addressing these challenges.
At the heart of this initiative is the Nigeria Youth Help Desk, a platform designed to amplify young voices in the fight against corruption.
Speaking, Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development, explained that the initiative aligns with the recommendation, emerging from the July 2024 youth workshop on transparency and integrity in public institutions.
“For years, young people have felt marginalized, leading to a loss of trust in government and instances of youth restiveness. The Nigeria Youth Help Desk will serve as a dedicated platform to amplify the voices of young people for accountability and building solutions for strong institutions” Olawande said.
The Youth Minister, reiterated the administration’s commitment youth development.
“With ongoing collaboration with UNODC, we will extend this initiative to local governments. Nigerian youth should access justice wherever they are. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to young Nigerians everywhere, regardless of their background”, he said.
Also speaking, UNODC Nigeria Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, commended the Minister’s rapid response to youth recommendations.
“Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the vanguard of change today. The Nigerian Youth Help Desk empowers the largest demographic to be agents of accountability, bridging the gap between aspiration and action. And I believe by harnessing their energy and potential, we forge a path to justice, security, and progress for all Nigerians. Everyone must embrace this initiative as a catalyst for transformation, recognizing that when we invest in our youth, we invest in the very foundation of our nation’s future.” He affirmed.
Some of the Youth champions against corruption, Mr Mubarak Idris and Ms Calista Njoku expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the Ministry of Youth Development and and UNODC.
They emphasized the readiness of Nigerian youth to build trust and collaborate more effectively with the Federal Government when provided with meaningful participation opportunities.
The Help Desk platform comprise of several initiatives designed to reach young people across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
