A new initiative aimed at promoting whistleblowing and strengthening protection for whistleblowers has been launched by Step Up Nigeria in partnership with Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa.
The initiative, tagged the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, is designed to amplify youth voices and encourage active 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 channel their creativity into promoting transparency and accountability. She noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
According to her, participants are invited to submit creative works including artwork, skits, and songs that highlight the importance of whistleblowing and the need for stronger legal protection.
“We seek to raise awareness, stimulate public interest, and inspire collective action against corruption,” she said.
Iyanda added that the competition is open to Nigerian residents aged 15 to 35 and will run from March to June 2026. She also urged young people to act as watchdogs in their communities while advocating for improved legal frameworks to protect whistleblowers.
“Advocacy for whistleblowing must start at the grassroots. It is not just about walks or sharing T-shirts or caps, but empowering young people to engage and bring about development,” she said.
Also speaking, Dele Oyewale, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), emphasised the critical role of whistleblowing in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. He described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility and urged citizens, particularly youths, to see themselves as key stakeholders.
“Our youth constitute a sizeable portion of the population and are crucial in gathering intelligence and promoting the cause,” he said, adding that whistleblowing should be driven by patriotism and the desire to build a better future.
Oyewale acknowledged concerns around whistleblower protection but assured that the EFCC has mechanisms in place to safeguard informants.
“The commission has a robust framework for safeguarding whistleblowers and has successfully protected them in the past. We will continue to use available means to combat corruption while awaiting stronger laws and protections,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Communications Manager at Step Up Nigeria, Shekwogaza Kure, said the initiative is aimed at reshaping public perception of whistleblowing.
“We want to build a culture where whistleblowing is seen not as a betrayal but as an act of courage that strengthens democracy,” he said.
Kure disclosed that the submission deadline has been extended to April 12, 2026, with winners set to receive cash prizes and public recognition.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Wase, Deputy Director at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), called on 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 really killing yourself because the future belongs to the youth,” he said.
