Urgent Press Release
28th August 2024
Abuja, Nigeria
Palace of Priests Assembly Hosts Close Out Meeting of the Mobilizing Christians Against Corruption Project (The SHUN Corruption Project)
The Palace of Priests Assembly (PPA) and its social arm, the Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ), are honored to host the close-out meeting of the Mobilizing Christians Against Corruption Project, also known as the SHUN Corruption Project.
In 2018, PPA embarked on this groundbreaking initiative to pilot the active participation of Pentecostal Christians in Nigeria’s ongoing fight for accountability, transparency, and good governance. This historic project, generously supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, has not only raised awareness about the perils of corruption but has also mobilized our communities to become active participants in building a just and righteous society.
A statement by the Program Manager, Dr. Agbaji Orinya, emphasizes that the call for Christian engagement in combating corruption is a profound moral imperative, rooted in the core values of Christianity: integrity, justice, and compassion. As followers of Christ, we are urged to be the salt and light of the world, serving as agents of positive change. By embracing these principles, Christians are uniquely positioned to guide Nigeria away from the entrenched culture of corruption. This mission aligns with our belief that a just society reflects divine intent, encouraging all Christians to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Dr. Orinya highlighted that the SHUN Corruption Project has been a resounding success, achieving key milestones and outcomes that will be shared today. These include the capacity-building of thousands of Pentecostal leaders, the establishment of anti-corruption platforms in churches, and the initiation of social arms that will continue to advocate for integrity and good governance.
The program will feature an overview of the project, highlighting key milestones and achievements, and offering a reflection on the journey and success stories of the SHUN Corruption Project. Special remarks will be delivered by the MacArthur Foundation and other esteemed partners who will share their insights and reflections on the collaboration. We will present the final report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the project’s impact and achievements. Additionally, key stakeholders and beneficiaries will share their experiences, demonstrating the transformative impact of this initiative.
The meeting will also include discussions on the challenges encountered and the valuable lessons learned throughout the project’s implementation, as well as an outline of the future direction and ongoing efforts to continue the fight against corruption. We will announce the winners of the SHUN Corruption Challenge, an initiative of one of our stakeholders, the Frontline Youth Creativity Initiative (FYCI), and recognize individuals and groups who have shown exceptional commitment to anti-corruption efforts.
We will take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our partners, stakeholders, and the wider community who have supported this mission. As we reflect on the journey of the SHUN Corruption Project, we are deeply grateful for the support and collaboration we have received from our partners, church leaders, and the Christian community at large. While the fight against corruption is far from over, together, we have laid a strong foundation for a future where integrity, justice, and good governance can thrive.
Let us continue to uphold these values and strive to be the agents of positive change that our country so desperately needs.