Abuja: Malam Fuad Adeyemi, Executive Director/National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, has tasked the media to continue uncovering corruption through investigative journalism, fact-based reporting, and ethical practice. Adeyemi made the call during a news conference in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Anti-Corruption Day, themed ‘Championing Accountability and Transparency Through the Media’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeyemi highlighted the pervasive nature of corruption in the country, affecting various aspects of daily life. He expressed concern over the need for bribery to secure employment and school admissions, as well as corruption within security organizations. However, he acknowledged that hope is not lost, citing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as examples of transparent and commendable institutions.
Adeyemi emphasized the importance of the media’s role in society as a watchdog, advocating for investigative journalism to expose corruption, mobilize grassroots communities, and build public awareness. He urged journalists to maintain integrity and reject participation in corrupt practices while encouraging them to guide the public in demanding accountability.
The cleric also called on religious leaders to serve as moral guides, ensuring that places of worship teach and exemplify honesty and integrity. He stressed that public office holders must manage resources responsibly and maintain the trust of the electorate. Furthermore, Adeyemi noted the personal responsibility of every Nigerian to uphold ethical behavior in daily life.
He highlighted the efforts of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Center in fighting corruption through faith-based engagement and community-driven interventions. The center has worked with various groups across Nigeria to promote ethical consciousness under its Anti-Corruption, Accountability and Transparency Campaign, supported by initiatives like Project EAT-Fin and Project EAT-Halal.
Adeyemi expressed gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for its partnership and support, which has been instrumental in achieving milestones in anti-corruption advocacy. He remarked on the significance of the annual commemoration of World Anti-Corruption Day in promoting public enlightenment and fostering a commitment to integrity for national advancement.