The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), Dr. Folasade Ajibade, has charged students of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, to become catalysts for change and champions of a corruption-free society by embracing integrity, accountability, transparency and honesty while rejecting all forms of corrupt practices.

Dr. Ajibade gave the charge during the inauguration of Integrity Ambassadors at the college campus in Igboora, where she emphasised the importance of engaging young people in the fight against corruption and instilling the values of integrity and accountability in them.

She explained that OYACA was established by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde in December 2020 and commenced full operations in April 2021, with the mandate to combat corruption and promote accountability and transparency in public service across Oyo State.

According to her, OYACA has extended its enlightenment campaign to tertiary institutions where future leaders are trained, with the aim of imbibing the anti-corruption spirit in youths.

“The youths are not just leaders of tomorrow but catalysts of change today. By engaging them now, we are investing in a future where integrity and transparency are the norm,” Dr. Ajibade said.

She explained that the Integrity Ambassadors initiative was created to step up youth involvement in the fight against corruption across all tertiary institutions in the state.

She charged the newly inaugurated Ambassadors to live a life of integrity, promote anti-corruption values among peers through sensitization, debates and essay competitions, and to report acts of corruption to OYACA offices.

Dr. Ajibade described corruption as abuse of a position of trust for personal gain, including demanding gratification, nepotism, sexual gratification, appropriation of public funds and non-performance of government contracts.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Rector, Dr. Wasiu Raimi, who spoke on behalf of the Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, welcomed the OYACA team and described the initiative as timely and in line with the College’s core values of integrity and excellence.

Dr. Raimi assured OYACA of the Management’s full support and congratulated the students on their selection, urging them to be worthy ambassadors of integrity on campus.

The event was attended by the Deputy Registrar, Mr Gbadamosi; Bursar, Mr Ogundepo; Acting Librarian Mr Oyewo; Deans; Directors; Heads of Departments among other staff and students of the College.

Also, in attendance were the management staff of OYACA; Director of Finance and account Mr Tajudeen Azeez, Director Administration and Supplies Mr Wasiu Alimi, among others.