Step Up Nigeria, in partnership with Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa, has launches the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition aimed at encouraging Nigerian youths to promote whistleblowing and the protection of whistleblowers.
The competition, unveiled in Abuja, seeks to use art and media to raise awareness about integrity, accountability and the need for stronger legal protection for individuals who report corruption.
Speaking at the launch, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, described whistleblowing as a critical tool in the fight against corruption.
He said tackling corruption requires the involvement of all Nigerians and urged young people to use their creativity and innovation to promote accountability and transparency.
Oyewale also assured participants that the commission has measures in place to protect people who provide credible information, pending the passage of a comprehensive whistleblower protection law.
According to the organisers, the initiative aligns with Article 33 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which encourages countries to protect individuals who report corruption in good faith.
The competition is open to Nigerians resident in the country between the ages of 15 and 35 and will run from March to June 2026. Participants below 18 years must submit written consent from a parent or guardian.
Entries are expected in categories including artwork, short skits, songs, spoken word, articles and short stories.
The works must focus on the role of whistleblowers, the importance of transparency, the dangers faced by whistleblowers without legal protection and the need for stronger safeguards against retaliation.
Organisers said all entries must be original and must not be created using artificial intelligence, although AI tools may be used for editing purposes. Winners will receive cash prizes, recognition and other rewards.
As part of the campaign, Step Up Nigeria will also release two educational podcasts — one featuring experts discussing whistleblowing and legal protections, and another showcasing the winning entries.
Communications Manager of Step Up Nigeria, Shekwogaza Kure, said young people have the power to shape public attitudes through art and media.
“Whistleblowing is not betrayal; it is an act of courage that strengthens democracy,” Kure said.
Director of Programmes at Step Up Nigeria, Feranmi Iyanda, called on policymakers, government institutions, the media and civil society groups to strengthen reporting systems and ensure the protection of those who expose wrongdoing.
Executive Director of PPLAAF, Jimmy Kande, said whistleblowers across Africa play an important role in exposing corruption and abuse of power, adding that greater youth involvement is necessary to build a culture where speaking out is encouraged and protected.