Step Up Nigeria (SUN), in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), has launched the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition to encourage Nigerian youths to speak up against corruption through creative expression.
The initiative invites young Nigerians to use art, music, storytelling, skits and written pieces to highlight the importance of whistleblowing and accountability in society, while also promoting awareness about the need to protect individuals who expose wrongdoing.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the organisation said the competition aims to amplify youth voices in the fight against corruption and inspire creative advocacy for transparency and responsible governance.
According to SUN, the competition provides a platform for young people to contribute to the national conversation on integrity and public accountability through their creative talents.
Participants are invited to submit original works in categories including artwork, short skits, songs, spoken-word performances, articles and short stories that focus on themes related to whistleblowing, transparency, and the protection of individuals who report corruption.
The organisation explained that the entries should reflect issues such as the role of whistleblowers in exposing wrongdoing, the importance of accountability in governance, the risks faced by individuals who report corruption without legal protection, and the need for safeguards against retaliation.
SUN said the competition will run from March to June 2026 and is open to Nigerian residents between the ages of 15 and 35.
Participants under the age of 18 are required to provide written consent from a parent or guardian before submitting their entries.
The organisation also emphasised that all submissions must be original works created without the use of artificial intelligence for content generation, although AI tools may be used strictly for editing purposes.
It added that screening mechanisms will be put in place to verify compliance with the originality requirement.
There is no entry fee for the competition, and winners will receive cash prizes as well as public recognition for their contributions.
As part of the initiative, SUN said it will also produce two educational podcasts aimed at expanding awareness about whistleblowing and encouraging responsible reporting.
One of the podcasts will feature experts discussing whistleblowing practices and legal protections available for individuals who report corruption.
The second podcast will highlight the winning participants and showcase their creative works as part of efforts to amplify youth voices and inspire broader public engagement.
Shekwogaza Kure, communications manager at Step Up Nigeria, said the competition recognises the influence young people can have in shaping societal values and encouraging responsible reporting.
“Young people have the power to shape culture and shift norms. Through art and media, this competition gives them a platform to promote integrity, encourage responsible reporting, and build trust in public institutions,” Kure said.
She added that creative storytelling can play an important role in changing public attitudes towards whistleblowing.
“Whistleblowing is not betrayal; it is an act of courage that strengthens democracy,” she said.
Feranmi Iyanda, director of programmes at Step Up Nigeria, stressed the importance of protecting individuals who expose corruption in the public interest.
“Protecting whistleblowers is essential to fighting corruption effectively. We call on policymakers, government institutions, media, and civil society to strengthen reporting mechanisms, safeguard individuals who speak out in the public interest, and ensure accountability systems work for citizens,” Iyanda said.
Jimmy Kande, executive director of PPLAAF, said encouraging youth participation is critical to building a culture where speaking up against corruption is valued and protected.
“Across Africa, whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing corruption and abuse of power,” Kande said.
“Supporting youth engagement on this issue is critical to building a culture where speaking up is protected, valued, and encouraged.”
