Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in partnership with Master Agent Show, has launched the Basic Education Anti-Corruption Debate (BEAD) — a thematic, education-driven initiative aimed at instilling integrity, transparency, and accountability in young Nigerians. This was contained in a statement signed by Demola Bakare, fsi, Director, Public Enlightenment, and Education/Spokesperson for the Commission.
The initiative was formally unveiled at a press briefing held on Thursday at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja.
In his address, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, was represented by the Divisional Head of Education, Mr. Okor Odey, who stated that the BEAD project aligns with the Commission’s mission of addressing social challenges through education, awareness, and reorientation.
Mr. Odey explained that the programme goes beyond awards and recognition, as it is designed to reshape perceptions of integrity among young Nigerians through documentaries, media partnerships, and school debates.
“The goal is to integrate discussions on ethics into their everyday life,” he said, describing the initiative as a renewed national commitment to transparency and accountability that will inspire stories of integrity and entrench anti-corruption values for generations to come.
Managing Director of Master Agent Show, Mr. Osigbeme Enike noted that BEAD was conceived to “empower youth to champion transparency, accountability, and ethical values from the grassroots level.”
He revealed that participating schools will submit video entries on themes such as “Citizens’ Character or Government Cabinet”, with selected entries to be broadcast on partner media outlets.
According to him, the broadcast stations are projected to reach over 10 million radio listeners and one million digital viewers per episode.
Mr. Enike further disclosed that the programme, scheduled to run from September 2025 to July 2026, will be executed in four phases: School Engagement, Regional Selection, Nationwide Broadcast, and Awards.
In addition to monetary prizes for winning schools, outstanding participants will receive scholarships, laptops, and other educational incentives.
Expressing appreciation to the ICPC, Mr. Enike added that the partnership would also drive complementary campaigns, including the “5 Principles Against Corruption.”
Additionally, Mr. Dominic Ogaku, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship at the Master Agent Show, emphasized the importance of utilizing digital platforms to facilitate learning.
He noted that the initiative would provide young people with opportunities to translate ideas into debates that promote sanity in the digital age while strengthening anti-corruption values.
According to the organisers, BEAD is expected to engage over 50,000 students from 5,000 junior secondary schools across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
The unveiling of BEAD at the ICPC Headquarters further underscores the Commission’s relentless commitment to fostering transparency and mobilising the public against Corruption.
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