On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Step Up Nigeria, in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), convened a Media Roundtable to officially conclude the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art & Media Competition.
The event brought together anti-corruption agencies, media professionals, civil society actors, competition winners, and young changemakers to reflect on a critical question: How can creativity strengthen whistleblower protection and inspire a culture of accountability in Nigeria?
At a time when corruption continues to undermine public trust and development outcomes, the competition demonstrated that young people are not merely observers of change, rather they are active contributors to it.
Through spoken word, visual art, music, skits, and creative writing, participants explored themes of integrity, courage, transparency, and whistleblower protection. Their works highlighted both the risks faced by whistleblowers and the urgent need for stronger legal and institutional safeguards.
Representatives from Step Up Nigeria, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), emphasized the importance of creating environments where citizens can safely report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
One of the most inspiring moments of the event was hearing directly from the competition winners. Their stories revealed a generation that understands the power of creativity as a tool for advocacy and social transformation. Beyond winning a competition, they demonstrated how art and media can challenge silence, influence public attitudes, and spark conversations that drive meaningful change.
They emphasized that “When there is a law that protects whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing, wrongdoing can no longer hold our society to ransom” which is the importance of whistleblower protection in building a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.
The Media Roundtable also reinforced a broader truth: whistleblower protection is not only a legal issue, it is a democratic imperative. A society that values transparency must protect those who speak up in the public interest.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward greater accountability, the role of young people, creative expression, and independent media cannot be overstated. Together, they are helping to shape a future where integrity is celebrated, citizens are empowered, and truth is protected.
Step Up Nigeria remains committed to fostering active citizenship and promoting accountability through innovative and youth-centered approaches. We are grateful to PPLAAF, our partners, stakeholders, participants, and media allies for making this year’s competition a success.
The conversation continues. The commitment remains. And the call to speak up has never been more important.