40 Women Empowered to Lead Anti-Corruption Efforts in Yobe

The Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP) on Tuesday inaugurated a three-day capacity-building workshop for women, focusing on anti-corruption and accountability.The workshop is supported by the MacArthur Foundation.  

Professor Nuhu D.Gapsiso from the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Maiduguri, one of the key resource persons for the workshop, stated that the training aims to advance women’s role in the fight against corruption and promote accountability.  

He explained that the workshop seeks to empower women with the necessary knowledge to combat corruption and ensure accountability in governance.  

"Nigeria’s current challenges stem largely from endemic corruption, which has hindered progress for many years.We have failed to develop as a nation because resources meant for critical infrastructure are often embezzled by those entrusted with serving the people."

He emphasized that women, as mothers, wives, and daughters, can play a vital role by encouraging their husbands, children, and families to reject corruption."We also want children to adopt values that discourage corruption and uphold accountability.Those who embrace these principles will be duly rewarded,"he added.  

According to him, 40 participants were deliberately selected from four communities in Yobe State.The goal is to empower them to return to their communities and conduct step-down training, creating local advocates against corruption.Educating one woman means she can educate ten others, spreading awareness effectively.

"Sometimes, societal pressures from women push men in leadership positions into corrupt practices whether to meet family demands or maintain peace at home. By educating women, we hope to reduce such pressures,"he stressed.

He charged the participants to continue educating women about the dangers of corruption and its damage to society."They should demand accountability from political leaders, ensuring that budgeted funds are properly used for projects."