Reps pledge commitment to youth empowerment

File: House of Representatives

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The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption has reaffirmed its determination to drive legislative actions that will strengthen the capacity of Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Chairman of the Committee, Moshood Akiolu, made the pledge on Wednesday at an event marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja.

Akiolu noted that the 10th House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is intensifying efforts to promote transparency, reinforce legal institutions, and expand civic education initiatives that prepare young people to identify, resist, and report corrupt practices.

According to him, “The House is working to enhance transparency, strengthen legal frameworks, and support civil education that equips young people with the knowledge and tools to resist and report corruption.”

He further identified corruption as a persistent barrier to the growth of a genuine democratic culture in the country.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, described corruption as one of the most serious obstacles to development and social equity in Nigeria.

Represented by Sulieman Achile, an Assistant Director at the Commission, Aliyu stressed that corruption weakens institutions, diverts public resources, and disproportionately affects the prospects of young Nigerians.

“Corruption remains one of the greatest threats to development and social justice. It erodes public trust, diverts resources from essential services and undermines opportunities for young people,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mainasara Kogo, urged young Nigerians to continuously develop their skills, noting that academic qualifications alone are no longer adequate in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy.

According to him, “If we can bridge that missing link, our future leaders will know that they are not the future leaders of Nigeria alone but future leaders of the world.”

Nigeria’s youth population—one of the largest in the world—continues to face significant structural barriers that limit access to meaningful opportunities. Despite numerous policy documents promising empowerment, employment, and inclusion, implementation has frequently fallen short.

Young Nigerians encounter high unemployment rates, limited access to quality technical training, and minimal representation in governance structures where key decisions affecting their future are made.

These challenges are compounded by systemic corruption, which diverts funds meant for education, skills development, and social programmes.

As a result, initiatives designed to support youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and civic participation often fail to achieve their intended impact.

The concerns raised at the International Anti-Corruption Day event reflect growing public pressure for reforms that translate government commitments into tangible outcomes for young people.

Meanwhile, the renewed assurances by the House Committee on Anti-Corruption come at a time when many Nigerians are calling for stronger accountability mechanisms.

Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The PUNCH

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