Young Nigerians are increasingly using creative arts and storytelling to advocate transparency, accountability and whistleblower protection across the country.
This was highlighted at a media roundtable held in Abuja, where Step Up Nigeria and the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa showcased winners of the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition.
The initiative was designed to encourage young people to use artistic expression and storytelling to promote integrity and speak out against corruption and abuse.
Organisers disclosed that the competition received 170 entries from participants across 34 states of the federation. Entries covered several categories including music, spoken word, visual arts, writing and short video skits.
Five winners emerged from the various categories and received cash prizes for works that emphasized the importance of whistleblowing and accountability in society.
Step Up Nigeria said the competition forms part of ongoing efforts to build a culture of integrity among young Nigerians while advocating for the implementation of a whistleblower protection law in the country.
Some of the young creatives described the initiative as a platform for social change, noting that their works were inspired by the need to challenge corruption and break the culture of silence surrounding wrongdoing.
Speaking at the event, representative of an anti-corruption agency, Suleiman Echebe, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting ethical values among young Nigerians.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also highlighted efforts to instill integrity among youths through Anti-Corruption Clubs in secondary schools and Student Anti-Corruption Vanguards in tertiary institutions.
The commission, however, warned against false and malicious reports, stressing that the law prescribes penalties for deliberately misleading anti-corruption agencies.
As Nigeria prepares to mark World Whistleblower Day on June 23, organisers say the creativity and voices of young Nigerians can help strengthen the fight against corruption and encourage citizens to speak up without fear.