Bukola Afeni
Step Up Nigeria has announced the winners of the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, revealing that 172 young Nigerians participated in the initiative designed to promote transparency, accountability and whistleblower protection.
The competition, organised by Step Up Nigeria in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) is part of activities marking the World Whistleblower Day 2026.
Speaking during the virtual announcement and awards ceremony on Thursday, Director of Programmes at Step Up Nigeria, Feranmi Iyanda, commended participants for using art, storytelling, music, spoken word, writing and digital media to promote integrity and accountability.
She said the initiative was aimed at stimulating conversations around whistleblowing and the role citizens play in fostering accountability.
According to Iyanda, the competition attracted inspiring entries that challenged corruption, and highlighted the risks faced by whistleblowers.
“It promoted integrity and underscored the importance of accountability among institutions and citizens alike.
“The entries expanded conversations on whistleblowing beyond corruption, drawing attention to issues such as abuse, injustice, environmental harm and workplace misconduct,” she said.
Iyanda commended PPLAAF, the judges, partner institutions, media supporters and participants for contributing to the success of the competition.
Communications Manager of Step Up Nigeria, Dr. Shekwogaza Kure, disclosed that the competition received 172 submissions across five categories.
According to him, written articles recorded the highest number of entries with 66 submissions, representing 38 per cent of the total.
“Poems and spoken word entries accounted for 45 submissions, artwork received 30 entries, music attracted 18 entries, while short videos and skits recorded 13 submissions.”
Kure said 111 male participants, representing 65 per cent, took part in the competition, while 61 female participants accounted for 35 percent.
“These works powerfully captured the heroic role of whistleblowers, the need for transparency and accountability, and the urgent demand for better legal protections,” he said.
He added that 157 submissions, representing 91 per cent of entries, were received through social media platforms, demonstrating the growing role of digital platforms in mobilising young people for social change.
On state participation, Kure said Lagos State recorded the highest number of submissions with 37 entries, followed by the Federal Capital Territory with 31 and Nasarawa State with 12.
“Entries were also received from Oyo, Rivers, Cross River, Edo and several other states.
This demonstrates that the passion for integrity cuts across every region of Nigeria,” he said.
Kure congratulated all participants, particularly the top 50 finalists and winners, and called on government, civil society organisations and the private sector to strengthen whistleblower protection laws and policies.
“Silence enables corruption; but courage, amplified through art and media, builds nations,” he said.
The competition was judged by a panel comprising anti-corruption advocate and Acting Head of Public Education at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr. Babatunde Shola; award-winning actress and media entrepreneur Bisola Aiyeola; and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Basement Animation Studio, Bostone Johnson.
Winners emerged across five categories. Moses Idowu Sodipo won the Artwork Category with The Veil of Governance; Anita Nwokoji Chigbomkpa emerged winner in the Spoken Word Category; Akinfolarin Jeremiah Damilola won the Music Category with Voice Against Silence; Oguche Gabriel Onuche won the Written Category with In a World of Loud Evil Silence; while Gilbert Owan emerged winner in the Skit/Short Film Category with The Pledge.
Speaking after his victory, Sodipo said the competition inspired him to channel the frustrations of many Nigerians into his artwork.
“When I saw the title of the competition, I had to start sketching immediately. During the painting, I understood more about the plight of Nigerians. I put all my anger on the canvas because of the current situation of the country,” he said.
Owan described filmmaking as a tool for positive influence and thanked Step Up Nigeria for providing a platform for young creatives despite production challenges.
“ I am really grateful to be one of the winners. I appreciate you,” he said.
Damilola expressed gratitude for the recognition and commended the initiative for creating awareness about whistleblower protection.
“I just want to say a very big thank you to this platform. Thank you Step Up Nigeria for this wonderful platform for us youth to speak our minds,” he said.
Onuche said he was drawn to the competition because of the importance of whistleblowing in addressing societal challenges.
“Whistleblowing is essential for us as a nation moving forward. We have so many issues in Nigeria, and people should speak up against evil wherever they see it,” he said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), also restated its commitment to protecting whistleblowers as key partners in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
The Executive Chairman of (EFCC) Ola Olukayode who was represented by Aisha Mohammed, the Head of Enlightenment and Re- Orientation Unit said whistleblowers are critical allies in reducing corruption across the country.
“Whistleblowers are often glad to associate with the work that the EFCC is doing as an agency in reducing corruption.’
She commended young Nigerians for their talent and integrity, urging them not to keep quiet in the face of wrongdoing.
“Your word matters and let your hard work keep bringing about the positive change that we want.’”
Aisha Mohammed added that the Commission will work hand in hand with citizens to ensure their safety while they speak out.
‘We will also work hand in hand with you and ensure that you are well protected. Let us all come together to utilize our talent and creativity to create a positive change in Nigeria.”
The Deputy Director, Public Education Department ICPC, Dr Sina Babasola
said the competition highlights the creativity of Nigerian youth and the need for protection for whistleblowers in the country..
Step Up Nigeria commended the participants, judges, partners and supporters for contributing to the success of the competition and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, transparency and whistleblower protection in Nigeria.
