Ibadan — So what came of the 'Ending corruption: What can Naija youth do?' (#EC4NY) debate that the Africa Desk held at the University of Ibadan? Our guest blogger shares his candid observations from 26 June, and brings in the Twitter discussion, too.

As a guest blogger for the event, I was prepared to witness a verbal fight and had fortified myself for the ad hominium slurs which a topic like corruption in Nigeria was bound to generate. My bias may not sound exaggerated to any observer of the Nigerian blogosphere. However, the #EC4NY broke my single-tale narration because it did not live up to my preconceived bias. Why?

#E C4NY was a conversation of the youths, for the youths and by the youths. As Dr. Ayo Ojebode, head of the Department of Communication and Language Arts (CLA), explained, some 300 possible themes for the discussion were suggested on RNW Africa's Facebook wall. An analysis of the comments showed that majority of Nigerian youths wanted to talk about corruption. The collaboration with RNW was built on the vision of creating: "create safe spaces for youths to engage, on and offline" according to Africa Desk producer Hélène Michaud.

Personal introspections

This was the scenario: about 60 young people - the gender spread, by the way, was balanced - seated in an interactive fashion. There were no high tables (the vanity that has been personified into a national lure). The seating arrangement had local validity (face-me-I-face-you). The two key discussants kept to the allotted ten minutes (non-Nigerians may be at pains to appreciate this little detail).

And wonders of wonders, the comments were not the typical blame-shifting and name-calling associated with a discourse of this nature. Rather these young fellows, from diverse disciplines, faith-based and social organizations, made personal introspections about corruption in Nigeria and what each person - individually - can do to end corruption in Nigeria.

I have aggregated some of the comments below. This will aid in recapturing the ambiance of the #EC4NY offline and online discussion about corruption in Nigeria.

Tim Melaya, discussant from GIABA: "Is Nigeria corrupt? Why? No need to emphasize the obvious. Corruption is endemic, etc. How about you? Are you corrupt? The issue bothers more on attitude... The policemen that collect bribes, the lecturer that collects money to pass students is corrupt, the student that cheats in exams is also corrupt. Look not at the great effects, look rather at the origin."

Mrs. Adeoye, discussant from ICPC: "Youths should take ownership of the corruption crusade."

Adeola Boluwatife, participant: "... Live a good life or have a clear conscience; you must choose one. An average youth wants a good life..."

Enamudu Victor via @enamuduvictor: "Am I corrupt? The moment you can't answer that question wholeheartedly, you can't point fingers. Wash your hands first."

Idowu Temitope, participant: "[Corruption] starts from law enforcement agencies."

Joy, student participant: "We mind our business too much in this country. Report offenders, make a move. Ring the bell!"

Wole Oladapo via @lexydek: "Youths say they can't fight corruption because they are hungry; not fighting corruption will not relieve the hunger anyway. #EC4NY"

Michael Tunbosun, moderator: "In less than 3 generations, 41% of the world's youth will be in Africa."

Oluwaseyi Olawole via participant: "Corruption should be minimized from our classroom."

Muyiwa Donald, participant: "If you want to be celebrated, start something today. Obedience also matters. This nation is going places."

Scarlett via @FolabomiOdunsi: "#EC4NY ... if you want to stop corruption, DON'T MIND YOUR BUSINESS!"

#Segun&theGang via @SegunOdejimi: "... Be the change you want. Michael Jackson sang: Start with the man in the mirror. #EC4NY"

You can now understand why I was delightfully impressed? Rarely does one find such balanced, calm analysis by youths - whose blood usually boils with creativity and impatience.

Dr. Ojebode noted at the end of the onsite event that "this is just the beginning". With what I witnessed, I totally concur with him.

You can read Nwachukwu Egbunike's blog and follow him on Twitter.