The 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day Public Dialogue serves as an important national platform for promoting collective action against corruption, with a strong focus on empowering young people as champions of integrity. With youth making up a significant portion of the population, their involvement is essential for building a transparent, accountable, and prosperous society.

This year’s theme, “Uniting with the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” emphasizes the crucial role young people play in challenging unethical practices, demanding accountability, and promoting honesty across all sectors.

Delivering his goodwill message at the event, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Usam Bello, FCCA, FHEA, CFE, described the theme as both timely and compelling. He noted that the nation stands at a decisive point, where today’s choices will define the governance standards of tomorrow. He reiterated that the fight against corruption is not only a policy priority, but also a moral duty and a shared obligation to build a society rooted in fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Dr. Bello highlighted the unique strengths of the youth—their energy, innovation, courage, and desire for a better future. He stated that empowering young people to lead with integrity will secure the nation’s future and strengthen public trust in institutions.

He reaffirmed the CCB’s commitment to promoting ethical leadership and accountability while calling for sustained collaboration among government, civil society, the private sector, and especially the youth. He urged all participants to recommit to ethical values and support efforts that enhance transparency in public service.

In closing, he emphasized that with young people leading the charge, the nation can build a future where corruption has no place and integrity becomes the norm rather than the exception.