By Deji Abdulwahab
Malam Fuad Adeyemi, Executive Director/National Chief Imam, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, has tasked the media to continue uncovering corruption through investigative journalism, fact-based reporting, and ethical practice.
Adeyemi made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, at a news conference to commemorate the 2025 World Anti-Corruption Day, with the theme “Championing Accountability and Transparency Through the Media”.
“Today, our country is engulfed in cancerous corruption. Every aspect of our life is almost corruption ladened.
To get employment today, you have to bribe some people, to get admission to any school, most of the time you have to rub some hands.
“Our security organisations are not armed, the training of most of them is high corruption execution,'” he said.
According to him, however, all hope is not lost.
“The NDLEA is now becoming a model of government organisation because of their transparency and near corrupt free operation.
“JAMB is equally making us proud as Nigerians because of the way they conduct their business of examinating intending university students.
“Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) admission this year also deserves our commendation; all those who qualified were given admission irrespective of their background,’ ‘ he said.
He said that many more organisations and Individuals were really doing well, adding that a lot still needs to be done.
“Today, our message to nation is clear and grounded in collective responsibility. We call on the Nigerian media to rediscover and reinforce their role as the watchdog of society.
“Through investigative journalism, fact-based reporting, and ethical practice, the media must continue to uncover corruption, mobilise communities at the grassroots, and build public awareness on the dangers of unethical behavior while promoting integrity.”
Adeyemi also urged journalists to guide people to speak with courage, and demand accountability at all levels.
He urged them to reject participation in any form of corrupt behaviour, whether subtle or overt, adding that integrity in journalism sets the moral tone for governance and public life.
Ue urged religious leaders to continue to serve as voices of truth and moral direction.
“Our mosques, churches and faith-based platforms must remain centres where honesty, fairness and integrity are both taught and exemplified,” he said.
The cleric said that public office holders must enforce policies consistency, manage national resources responsibly and uphold the trust placed upon them by the electorate.
He said that every Nigerian had a personal responsibility to uphold ethical behaviour.
“Corruption is not only found in high offices; it begins with the daily decisions we make-in our homes, schools, workplaces, houses of worship and communities.
“Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Center will continue in the forefront of fighting corruption while joining hands with individuals and organisations with similar objective.
“For the past seven years, our organisation has remained steadfast in promoting accountability, transparency and the fight against corruption through faith-based engagement, moral guidance and community-driven Interventions,” he said.
He said the centre had worked extensively with religious and community leaders, freelance preachers, youth, women, and influencers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, deploying behavioural change strategies to strengthen ethical consciousness.
According to him, this is under its Anti-Corruption, Accountability and Transparency Campaign which was implemented through Project EAT-Fin and Project EAT-Halal,
“Through these initiatives, we are proud to have trained and impacted: 3,000 religious and community leaders, 1,800 young people and 3,500 women across eight states of the federation,” he said.
Adeyemi also thanked the MacArthur Foundation for its trust, partnership and unwavering support, which made these milestones possible.
“Each year on Dec. 9, we join the world to reflect on the devastating effects of corruption and in renewing our commitment to building a more accountable Nigeria.
“Since our involvement in anti-corruption advocacy began, this annual commemoration has become a legacy of the MacArthur-funded projects.
“It is a vital platform for continuous public enlightenment on the dangers of corruption and the necessity of integrity for national advancement.
“Traditionally, our World Anti-Corruption Day engagements focuses on the youth, ” he said.(NAN)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
