Al-Habibiyyah wants youths’ involvement in anti-corruption efforts

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS) has called for the mainstreaming of the nation’s youth segment in anti-corruption efforts to achieve maximal impacts.

Executive Director/National Chief Imam, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Anti-Corruption Day, with the theme “Championing Accountability and Transparency Through the Media”.

This is as Sheik Adeyemi tasked critical stakeholders to ensure that they matched words with actions and for the media which is included to continue uncovering corruption through investigative journalism, fact-based reporting, and ethical practice.

“At Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, we believe that faith institutions and the media share a collective duty: to guide society toward truth, justice, moral consciousness and responsible citizenship. Our annual activities provide opportunities for dialogue, learning, and coordinated action, especially among young people who remain Nigeria’s greatest asset for sustainable reform.

“Today our country is engulfed in cancerous corruption, every aspect of our life is almost corruption laden. 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 organizations are not armed, the training of most of them is high corruption execution.

“Although, all hope is not lost, NDLEA is now becoming a model of government organization 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 examining intending university students. Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) admission this year also deserve our commendation; all those who qualified were given admission irrespective of their background.

“Many more organization and individual are really doing well but a lot needs to be done. Today, our message to the 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, mobilize communities at the grassroots, and build public awareness on the dangers of unethical behavior while promoting integrity. We urge journalists to guide people to speak with courage, demand accountability at all levels, and reject participation in any form of corrupt behavior, whether subtle or overt. Integrity in journalism sets the moral tone for governance and public life” Sheik Adeyemi said.

He also charged religious leaders, public office holders, and citizens to continue to serve as voices of truth and moral direction.

He said, “Our mosques, churches and faith-based platforms must remain centers where honesty, fairness and integrity are both taught and exemplified. Public office holders must enforce policies consistently, manage national resources responsibly and uphold the trust placed upon them by the electorate. Every Nigerian has 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 forefront of fighting corruption while joining hands with individuals and organizations with similar objective.”

Sheikh Adeyemi said that for the past seven years, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has remained steadfast in promoting accountability, transparency and the fight against corruption through faith-based engagement, moral guidance and community-driven interventions.

He said that under the organisation’s Anti-Corruption, Accountability and Transparency Campaign which was implemented through Project EAT-Fin and Project EAT-Halal, the society have worked extensively with religious and community leaders, freelance preachers, youth, women, and influencers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, deploying behavioral change strategies to strengthen ethical consciousness.

He said, “Through these initiatives, we are proud to have trained and impacted: 3,000 religious and community leaders 1,800 young people 3,500 women Across 8 states of the federation We express our profound appreciation to the MacArthur Foundation for their trust, partnership and unwavering support, which made these milestones possible.

“Each year, on 9th December, we join the world in reflecting 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 a vital platform for continuous public enlightenment on the dangers of corruption and the necessity of integrity for national advancement.”

Sheik Adeyemi said that traditionally, the AIS World Anti-Corruption Day engagements focus on the youth and that the organisation, this year, intensified its digital youth outreach, and has chosen to address the media directly the media practitioners who bear the sacred responsibility of exposing abuses, shaping public opinion and safeguarding the national interest.

According to him, this year’s theme, “Championing Accountability and Transparency Through the Media,” underscores the indispensable role of journalists, media houses, digital communicators and content creators in strengthening democracy, deepening civic awareness, and amplifying the national call for integrity.

Also at the event, Dr. Rekiyya Momoh-Abaji, Project Coordinator, The Just Foundation of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society and other speakers were unanimous in calling for more action and dynamism in tackling systematic corruption in the country.