Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers of the West African Youth Network (WAYN) distinguished guests, our very young leaders, ladies and gentlemen.
I bring you warm greetings from Anti-Corruption Commission’s Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Advisory Board, Management and Staff.
It is my distinct pleasure to deliver the keynote at this auspicious occasion- a celebration of years of fruitful and productive partnership with the WAYN.
This event, like our journey together, shines as a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and relentless dedication in our fight against corruption, injustice, and marginalization.
When we met a few weeks ago for a presentation on the outcomes of this impactful project at the Integrity House, I was particularly struck by the tangible impacts we have made together. What moved me most was seeing school pupils themselves articulate the issues that affect them daily; corruption, injustice, and marginalization. They presented not only the challenges they faced but the measures they have taken, the changes they have witnessed, and, most inspiringly, the next steps they envision to build a brighter and fairer society.
This was not just a Report; but it was a powerful demonstration of the transformative work that has been jointly accomplished. It is also proof that our young people when empowered and educated, can become formidable agents of change.
ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE AS THE CENTER OF OUR WORK:
A few years ago, when I first met with WAYN, I was deeply impressed by the zeal, passion and dedication of young people who have since become central to the Commission’s mission. Young people represent the future of Sierra Leone. They are the emerging leaders, the changemakers, the ones who will drive our country forward. It is for this reason that we, at the Anti-Corruption Commission, have prioritized public education, particularly among the youth.
We have established Integrity and Accountability Now Clubs in secondary and tertiary educational institutions across the country to further emphasize our commitment to the youth. In fact, there is the maxim that says ‘catch them young’, which serves as our defining mantra.
This commitment to youth empowerment is exemplified by our very own Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq, a remarkably young man who has made an incredible mark in his role that has positively affected the broader society. His work and achievements serve as a powerful testament to the potential of young leaders to shape a better society.
Commissioner Kaifala’s journey shows us what is possible when young people are given the platform and support to lead with integrity and vision.
If we can succeed in instilling values that teach young people to resist, reject and report corruption - embrace integrity, and demand accountability, then we are well on the way to building a prosperous society where corruption is merely a thing of the past.
PREVENTION AS THE CORE OF OUR STRATEGY:
Whilst we are poised on enforcement with our Elite Scorpion Squad, our 2019 Amendment that criminalized academic fraud, Prevention remains the cornerstone of our fight against corruption. As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." In our work, public education plays a crucial role in prevention. Through initiatives like the Integrity Club structures, we reach thousands of young people, cascading vital anti-corruption messages that resonate deeply.
WAYN and its partners have helped us extend this vision. Many of our Integrity Club members have been beneficiaries of the seminars, workshops, and engagement sessions provided through this project - opportunities to inspire, shape, and equip them as Integrity Ambassadors.
Even at the university level, where we have now established Accountability Now Club structures, WAYN’s programs have been pivotal in strengthening students' resolve against corruption, and in inspiring many to join our cause as lifelong champions of integrity.
SHARED RESOURCES AND A UNIFIED PURPOSE:
At the heart of this partnership, we were able to be resourced by two of WAYN's most instrumental staff members, who transitioned into the ACC further bridging our efforts and bringing invaluable expertise. These individuals- Wilfred J. Bangura and Alex A. Bah, have been instrumental in advancing our shared mission, and such is another testament to the strength of our collaboration.
REFLECTING ON PROGRESS AND THE WAYS FORWARD
Ladies and gentlemen, as we stand here today, reflecting on all that we have achieved together, I must also remind us of the task that lie ahead. This is not an easy journey - it is a Herculean task, but it is a task that we cannot afford to lose.
As the Commissioner would say, "it is a fight to save our collective destinies”.
We must, and we will, win this fight against corruption.
Let us take pride in the groundwork we have laid, in the achievements we have celebrated, and in the legacy, we are building. In a society where so many would shy away from a cause as challenging, as righteous, and as necessary as this one, we have chosen it. We have taken a stand when others might have chosen complacency, and we have stood firm, convinced that we will succeed.
This is no small feat, and for that, I commend each of you here today.
To our young leaders and to WAYN, I say this: You are the promise of a brighter tomorrow. If we have more institutions like WAYN, if we have more young people with your courage and conviction, then the future of Sierra Leone will indeed be one of integrity, justice, and prosperity.
Together, let us continue to fight, to inspire, and to build a nation that future generations can be proud of-a Sierra Leone free from the shackles of corruption.
Thank you, for listening!
