A Non-Governmental Organization, Priests Peace and Justice Initiative (PPJI) in partnership with MacArthur Foundation, has affirmed its commitment to combat corruption within Pentecostal churches and the society at large through its Shun Corruption Project.
The Program Director, PPJ and Project Director of the SHUN Corruption Project, Pastor Otive Igbuzor, supported by other stakeholders, emphasized this at a one day close out meeting, marking the end of MacArthur Foundation’s funding of the SHUN Corruption Project.
According to the Project Director, Corruption remains one of the major obstacles to any society’s development.
‘Corruption is a pervasive and enduring challenge that transcends borders, cultures, and social classes. Its effects on economic development, social justice, and societal stability are well-documented and widely acknowledged. Over the years, various stakeholders-scholars, activists, development workers, politicians, and international organizations-have devoted significant efforts to c
ombating corruption. Despite these efforts, corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to the development of many nations, particularly in the Global South. The persistence of corruption undermines trust in institutions, exacerbates poverty, and threatens the very fabric of society.’
Speaking on the notable shift in behavioural change, particularly among Pentecostals and those working within the SHUN Corruption Project supported by the MacArthur Foundation for six (6) years. Dr Otive further highlighted their capacity to engage in social issues and actively combat corruption by adopting and advocating for new norms of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
‘The success of the first phase, which covered 16 states, laid a solid foundation for the expanded scope of the second phase, which began in September 2021 and ended in August, 2024.’
‘Among the project’s notable accomplishments are the identification of 115 scriptures that address the concept of corruption and the moral imperatives of honest
y and integrity. Over 8,827 Pentecostals were trained, and more than 6,779 individuals endorsed a pact on Transparency and Accountability. Furthermore, 221 Pentecostal churches have established social arms dedicated to addressing corruption and other social issues, and 61 anti-corruption platforms have been created, including initiatives such as Ministers Against Corruption, Christian Women Against Corruption, and Youth Vanguard Against Corruption. In addition, Pentecostal Churches have declared the Sunday before 11th July every year (African Anti-Corruption Day) as anti-corruption Sunday to focus sermons on problems of corruption and what Christians can do to fight against corruption. In 2023, 138 churches celebrated anti-corruption Sunday and in 2024, 313 churches celebrated anti-corruption Sunday’. He added.
In a press statement, Programme Manager, Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJI), Orinya Agbaji said the successful implementation of the mobilising Christians Against Corruption
Initiative, also known as the SHUN Corruption Project, would not have been possible without the dedicated support and partnership of numerous individuals and organizations.
‘We owe a debt of gratitude to the Jon D and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for their unwavering support and belief in our vision. Your generous grant and ongoing collaboration have been instrumental in realizing the goals of this project. We also recognize the invaluable contributions of the Behavioural. Insights Team, and the Behaviour Change Cohort members whose expertise has enriched our programming and helped us achieve significant milestones’.
He further applauded the Palace of Priests Assembly (PPA), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Frontline Youth Creativity Initiative among other supporters for fostering a culture of integrity and justice within the church and society at large.
Giving a special remark at the event, the African Director, MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, described how he felt as bitter sweet.
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Bitter because the SHUN Corruption Project partnership between PPJ and the MacArthur is coming to an end; but sweet because the partnership has yielded and will continue championing good causes that will drive positive change and values in Nigeria and all around the world.’
The FCT Chairman, Pentecostal Movement, Reverend Isaac Komolafe of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, applauded the PPJI and SHUN Corruption Project for bringing transformation in the church and society; by advocating for accountability among religious leaders.
Stakeholders at the event underscored the importance of the project; as well as applauded the partners for including women and people living with disabilities as an integral part of the project.
The Mobilising Christians Against Corruption Initiative, also known as The SHUN Corruption Project of the PPJI supported by the dedicated partnership of the MacArthur Foundation from 2018 to 2024 was conceived within this evolving context.
The event which brought together several P
entecostals, Civil Society Organisations, NGOs, schools, public servants and stakeholders was themed; ‘From the Pulpit to the Public: Pentecostals Driving Sustainable Anti- Corruption Efforts in Nigeria.’
The Priests Peace and Justice Initiative (PPJI) is a non-governmental organization and the social arm of the Palace of Priests Assembly.
It advocates for peace, justice in order to enhance human dignity and also encourages crisis management as well as deploys justice where there is injustice.
Source: Voice of Nigeria