Say “No” to Corruption in Nigeria Influencing Nigerian Children Against Corruption By: Edem Dorothy Ossai

What is Corruption? So many people talk about corruption, have you ever wondered what it means... 1. Corruption is any act of wrongdoing by a person who is entrusted with authority, which results in the abuse of that authority and a betrayal of the good or interest of others. 2. Corruption is also the use of unethical methods to get some advantage by others. can you mention some examples of corruption that you know of?

Examples of corruption are: - bribery, - extortion, - illegal award of contracts, - misuse of public funds, - supplying substandard materials, - stealing or diverting of workers salaries - demanding money to give students marks - hiring unqualified relatives in public positions

Important terms when describing Corruption Position - holds a recognised & constituted office (public sector, private sector or NGO) Power – makes decisions, controls resources & influences the role of people Authority – enforces public laws, systems and institutions Public property – property built or maintained with public funds Private/personal gain

Corruption is in every human activity Corruption is of different types and has spread in areas like education, sports, games, politics, business, the civil service etc. Because of corruption, one does not understand his/her responsibilities in the work place. Corruption operates like theft, dishonesty, wastage of public property, wastage of time unnecessarily, exploitation, scams, scandals, malpractice of responsibilities, etc

Why should we prevent Corruption? corruption is evil. It prevents individual growth as well as society and country growth and development

Here are some effects of Corruption 1. Education Children are subjected to harsh learning in classrooms without furniture or under trees and direct sunlight because of insufficient classroom buildings.

2. In health Poorly staffed and ill-equipped hospitals (insufficient beds, no equipment) and the lack of primary health care facilities especially in rural or semi-rural areas

3. In public Infrastructure Bad conditions of roads, bridges and other transport infrastructure, resulting in many accidents and deaths as well as high cost of moving goods

4. In goods and services High influx of illicit, fake or substandard goods are in circulation many of which are sold at high costs due to illegal importation bribes

5. In the legal/justice system Many judges are influenced by bribes. Powerful politicians and high public officials escape justice over their actions while only the poor criminals are visited with severe penalties.

6. Security and economic activity The Nigerian economy is characterised by low level of production, high rate of unemployment, crime and insecurity

7. housing and town planning Poor housing conditions, dangerous structures (e.g. Electricity poles) and negative town/city development

8. In the environment Air, water and ground pollution by companies and factories leading to destruction of farmlands, spread of diseases and reduced human lifespan.

9. Inflation and scarcity Fuel and kerosene scarcity, queues and suffering. High inflation of goods and transport, low naira exchange rate

Here are some ways to prevent the spread of corruption Do not offer or receive bribes in any capacity Obey all laws including road safety and traffic laws Prepare adequately for all examinations and tests Live within your means (do not indulge in tastes which you or your parents can’t afford) Let your actions in the workplace always be transparent and open Report to work duty punctually and carry out your tasks promptly and efficiently. Avoid receiving gifts for doing your work and where it is unavoidable declare such gifts to your superiors and colleagues. Report any act of corruption to relevant authorities.

Always remember Corruption causes grave suffering, death and gradual destruction of the society.

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