AGF Fagbemi Urges Collaboration Among Religious, Traditional Leaders, and Youths in Anti-Corruption Efforts

• Attorney General Fagbemi calls on religious and traditional leaders, as well as youth, to actively participate in the fight against corruption
• Launch of ‘Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manuals’ and ‘Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)’

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called on religious and traditional leaders and the youth to engage actively in the fight against corruption. Speaking at a Public Engagement on Youth, Religion, and the Fight Against Corruption organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, Fagbemi emphasized the need for these leaders to utilize their roles as agents of social control to inspire positive changes in society.

During the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, launched the ‘Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manuals” and “Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).”

Fagbemi emphasized the nation’s abundant human and natural resources, asserting that effective utilization is crucial for the desired progress in national life. Referring to statistics from www.worldometers.info as of January 24, 2024, he highlighted the youth, constituting 70% of the population, as a valuable asset in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

Religious organizations were also underscored as indispensable partners in this battle. Fagbemi stated, “Religion serves as an agent of social control of behaviour, motivating people to work for positive change. It should not be heard that a religious organization, leader, or follower is involved directly or indirectly in any activity negatively impacting our society.”

Tinubu’s commitment to collaboration with all stakeholders in tackling corruption using a multi-dimensional approach was praised by the AGF. Fagbemi urged religious leaders and the youth to take ownership of the fight against corruption, emphasizing effective collaboration with the EFCC in combatting financial crimes and other offences. He stressed the importance of collective efforts in this real and pressing fight against corruption.