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In my view of the world, corruption isn't just a problem; it is the pain of it being normalized, and devastating in its consequences. It's not just about money being stolen; it's about hope of an entire generation being stolen. Young people with dreams and aspirations have been silenced. Lives cut short. Corruption in Nigeria is not merely a few bad eggs in high offices—it’s the soil from which many of the nation’s most persistent problems grow. Nigeria is a country with immense promise. It is rich in oil, minerals, culture, and an incredibly resourceful population. In fact, it should be a continental leader in development, innovation, and prosperity. Instead, Nigeria is a case study in how systemic corruption has hollowed out its state. From inflated government contracts to ghost workers on public payrolls, corruption breeds. The rich, corrupt politicians rig elections; not only that, police extort from people by the roadsides or in their station. Corruption has permeated daily life. It’s in the hospital where a woman can’t get care because she can’t pay a bribe. It’s in the university where students pay for grades. It’s in the roads that crumble because the funds meant to build them were siphoned off. It’s in the stolen billions hidden in foreign accounts while children learn under trees or not at all. The irony in it all is that everyone in Nigeria knows about the corruption, but many feel powerless to stop it. The ones trying to stop it are now victims of what they see them selves fighting for.
Justice is bought and sold like a commodity. Infact, whistleblowers are punished for exposing crimes. Politicians run unopposed or unchallenged, cynicism becomes a survival strategy. But we Nigerians are not victims only. Some of us also see bravery. Some journalists risk their lives to expose scandals and bad leaders. People demand accountability. Youths organizes protests like #EndSARS to demand accountability. Tech innovators building tools for transparency, and communities standing up to local officials. There is resistance. There is courage. There is a flicker of hope for us because a little can make a difference. Corruption anywhere threatens justice everywhere. What happens in Nigeria mirrors struggles in many countries—African or not. Leaders forgetting the people they serve, public offices turned private, and institutions weakened by greed. But the fight against corruption—real, gritty, risky—comes from people who choose integrity even when it’s dangerous. That’s where change begins. In a world endowed and beautified with so much corruption, we must choose to tell the truth and amplify those voices fighting for justice in our lands, and to believe that even the most broken systems can be rebuilt. We must choose integrity. We should always choose integrity. Integrity is when what you do privately synchronizes with the public. It won’t be easy. But it’s necessary. To the derailed ones, it is never too late to follow the path of integrity.
Thanks.
