NGOs, CSOs in Anambra protest alleged growing corruption in the society

---

---

By Madu Obi

Some nongovernmental organizations and civil society groups in Anambra State have taken to the major roads of Awka, the state capital, on a campaign against alleged growing corruption in high places, which they say, is a cankerworm that undermines the country's democracy.

The protest was organized by the Anambra State Anti-Corruption Strategy (ANSACS) in partnership with the Anambra State Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)/ Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative (CMAAI) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC).

According to the groups, corruption in the country erodes trusts in institutions, slows down economic growth and destroys human development.

Their road walk, which kicked off from the popular Alex Ekwueme Square, through the Jerome Udorji Secretariat, the Federal Secretariat Complex, Aroma Junction and the Solution Motor Park, ended at the Anambra Broadcasting Service Premises.

In all the stops, they spoke against corruption in government offices, motor parks and even market places.

The organizers say it was part of the activities to mark the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) celebration on the theme- "Uniting With Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity".

The annual International Anti-Corruption Day celebration, established by the United Nations, is celebrated every 9th December to create awareness about the dangers of corruption and sensitize them on the need to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in the public and private lives.

Inscriptions on some of the placards carried by the campaigners read: "Say No to Corruption", "Stop Extortion", "Integrity is Not Just a Virtue, It is A Responsibility", "Spread Integrity, Stop Corruption", " Corruption Hurts, Let's Work Together To Stop It" and Empowering Citizens Fighting Corruption".

The Anambra State Project Coordinator of Rule of Law and Anti Corruption, Dr Josephine Onah, said the aim is to enable the youths to play what she described as their generational responsibility in the fight against corruption.

She urged everyone to consciously engage the youths in the crusade against corruption, stating that with the engagement, youths, who she described as actors and innovators, would play their part towards achieving a corrupt-free and egalitarian society.

Also speaking, the Anambra State Coordinator of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)/Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative (CMAAI), Mrs Ugochi Freeman, stressed the need for everyone to do the right thing at all times, whether being seen or not, so as to possibly join hands and wipe out corruption from Anambra State.

She added that doing so would make the state a corrupt free and egalitarian society that would bring about boisterous economy and improved human development.

After the road show, there was a town hall meeting which had many stakeholders in attendance.