By Ladi Gbegi
A new initiative to promote whistleblowing and strengthen protections for whistleblowers in Nigeria has been launched by Step Up Nigeria in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF).
The initiative, titled the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, aims to amplify youth voices and encourage participation in the fight against corruption through creative expression.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Programmes at Step Up Nigeria, Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, described the competition as a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their creativity while promoting transparency and accountability.
According to Iyanda, the competition aligns with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and is designed to raise awareness, stimulate public interest, and inspire action against corruption.
“We seek to raise awareness, stimulate public interest, and inspire action against corruption. Participants can submit artwork, skits, songs, and more, highlighting the importance of whistleblowers and the need for legal protection,” she said.
The competition is open to Nigerian residents aged 15 to 35 and runs from March to June 2026. Organisers said the submission deadline has been extended to April 12, 2026. Winners will receive cash prizes and recognition.
Iyanda said advocacy for whistleblowing must go beyond symbolic gestures and focus on grassroots engagement. She urged young people to take active roles in promoting accountability and development.
Also speaking at the event, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) representative Dele Oyewale highlighted the role of whistleblowing in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. He said the fight against corruption requires collective responsibility and citizen participation.
“Our youth constitute a large portion of the population and are crucial in gathering intelligence and promoting the cause,” Oyewale said, encouraging young Nigerians to see the fight against corruption as a civic duty rather than a pursuit driven by financial incentives.
Addressing concerns about whistleblower protection, Oyewale acknowledged challenges but said the EFCC remains committed to protecting individuals who provide credible information.
“The commission has a framework for safeguarding whistleblowers and has protected them in the past. We will continue to use available means to combat corruption while awaiting stronger laws and protections,” he added.
The Communication Manager at Step Up Nigeria, Shekwogaza Kure, said the initiative is designed to reshape public perception of whistleblowing.
“The World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition is an act that strengthens democracy. We want to build a culture where whistleblowing is seen not as a betrayal but as an act of responsibility,” he said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Director at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Mohammed Wase, urged young Nigerians to speak out against corruption, warning that silence could undermine their future.
“If as a youth you are not speaking out against corruption, you are harming your future because it belongs to the youth,” he said.
The organisers expressed optimism that the competition will encourage Nigerians to promote integrity, accountability, and good governance.
