Should corruption-fostering forces be permanently defeated within Nigeria’s space at both private and public institutions, an effort by the country’s top-performing organisation in efficiency and transparency since 2022 would probably have ensured it. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) appears to be only a week away from marking the 2024 World Anti-corruption Day with a debate among teens.

By next Thursday, the 5th of December at its Nigerian Content Tower, Bayelsa State, the Board will be hosting 7 selected secondary school students in a debate covering the main geopolitical zones in the country and Bayelsa State even though the latter naturally would have been packed under the south-south region if sub-regionals were being numbered.

When the event date arrives, participants will be expected to discuss this year’s theme, “Effective Whistleblowers Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight against Corruption.”

A press statement released by the NCDMB today says the agency’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACTU), led by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, is specifically handling this latest initiative.

This department effected a partnership with a key anti-graft agency the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) whose representatives have been scheduled to present papers concerning any relatable topic that discourages corrupt behaviour in offices.

ALSO READ: NCDMB links up with education partner UBEC to equip young learners for future oil and gas needs

Doing this, with the debates from student delegates on the side, is supposed to make a great memorable World Anti-corruption Day happen but that isn’t the only catch. NCDMB, spearheading this sort of initiative against the 5 December D-day, the way it looks so far, transcends beyond corporate social responsibilities.  

When each two-student representative tackles other sides drafted from the geopolitical zones and Bayelsa, the act would go a long way in deepening honest dealings at the Board.

NCDMB desires staff members who are ethical and do not compromise on organisational values because a culture like this will affect Nigeria positively.

Through points that will be offered by students of these schools – the Federal Government College, Odi, Bayelsa State, Federal Government College, Okigwe, Imo State, Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State, Federal Government Girls College, Kazaure, Jigawa State, Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos State, Federal Government College, Maiduguri, Borno State, and Federal Government College, Rubochi, Abuja – it is thought that there will be better protection for NCDMB workers that want to do right by exposing corrupt practices.

Before the debate finalists can be identified, there must have been preliminary arguments between the groups. After this will be the final at the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Yenagoa.

The goal of having a grand stage as this says the NCDMB’s corporate communications department is to instill the ethics of transparency and public interest in Nigerian students while encouraging them to be proficient public speakers.

A room for the debaters, often regarded as the next generation of leaders will be open to engage with complex issues that underline good governance and democracy in Nigeria.

A unique set of visions is expected to come out of inviting secondary students out to Yenagoa – one that will surely be rewarded and possibly help NCDMB discourage its employees from shortcuts to success because, under democracy, that method isn’t sustainable.

Meiza Nigeria