Step Up Nigeria Launches Whistleblower Competition, Urges Youth to Tackle Corruption
Abuja — Step Up Nigeria, in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa, has launched the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, calling on young Nigerians to use creative expression to promote transparency and accountability.
The initiative was unveiled at a press briefing in Abuja, where the organisation highlighted the need to strengthen youth participation in the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the event, the Communications Manager of Step Up Nigeria, Dr. Shekwogaza Kure, said the competition is designed to give young Nigerians a platform to engage actively in governance issues through storytelling and the arts.
Also speaking, the Director of Programmes, Step Up Nigeria, Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, described the competition as an opportunity for youths to showcase their creativity and passion for transparency, accountability, and whistleblower protection.
“This is more than a competition. It is a call for young Nigerians to lend their voices to the fight against corruption and to stand for what is right,” he said.
The competition is open to Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 35, with entries accepted in multiple formats including artwork, short skits, songs, spoken word, articles, and short stories.
Organisers said participants are expected to focus on key issues such as the role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption, the importance of accountability in governance, and the risks faced by individuals who speak out without adequate legal protection.
They added that the initiative aims to change public perception about whistleblowing, presenting it as an act of courage and civic responsibility rather than betrayal.
The programme aligns with Article 33 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which encourages countries to establish measures to protect individuals who report corruption in good faith.
To encourage wider participation, the organisers announced that the submission deadline has been extended to Sunday, 12 April 2026.
Participation is free, and winners will receive cash prizes and recognition, with selected entries also featured in educational podcasts. However, the organisers stressed that all submissions must be original and not generated using artificial intelligence.
Further details on eligibility and submission guidelines are available on the organisation’s website.
The event also drew participation from key government and anti-corruption agencies, reflecting growing institutional support for whistleblower protection in Nigeria.
Among those present were Alhaji Mohammed S. Wase of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Their presence, organisers said, underscores the importance of collaboration between civil society and public institutions in promoting accountability.
As the deadline approaches, Step Up Nigeria urged young Nigerians across the country to take advantage of the opportunity to use their creativity as a tool for change.
