Nigeria Claims GIABA Inter-University Speech Contest Title as West African Youth Unite Against Financial Crime

By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay

232news –

Nigeria emerged victorious at the 9th GIABA Inter-University Speech Contest, held on Wednesday at Fourah Bay College, as university students from five West African countries showcased their perspectives on combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

The competition, organised by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), was held under the theme: “The Impact of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) on the Economies of West African States.”

The event highlighted the critical role of young people in promoting transparency, accountability, and financial integrity across the ECOWAS region.

At the end of the closely contested competition, Amra Onize Salihu of the University of Abuja, Nigeria, was declared the overall winner. Emmanuella A.K. Amenu of the University of Professional Studies, Ghana, finished second, while Fatmata Binta Bah of the University of Sierra Leone secured third place. Chris T. Jimmyton of the African Methodist Episcopal University, Liberia, placed fourth, and Sohna Mbye of the University of The Gambia came fifth.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor James Russell, Pro Vice-Chancellor, welcomed delegates from across the region and described the contest as a timely initiative that encourages informed dialogue on one of West Africa’s most pressing governance challenges.

He said money laundering and terrorist financing continue to threaten economic growth by weakening public institutions, reducing government revenues, discouraging legitimate investment, and diverting resources needed for healthcare, education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

Professor Russell stressed that combating financial crime is not the sole responsibility of financial institutions and law enforcement agencies but requires the collective efforts of governments, educational institutions, civil society, and citizens.

He commended GIABA and the Financial Intelligence Unit for creating a platform that enables university students to critically examine issues affecting financial integrity and sustainable development while proposing practical solutions to strengthen regional cooperation.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the rich history of the University of Sierra Leone, noting that Fourah Bay College, established in 1827 and widely known as the “Athens of West Africa,” remains committed to academic excellence and leadership development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Edwin Harris, Director General of GIABA, underscored the importance of engaging young people in the fight against illicit financial flows, describing students as future policymakers, lawyers, financial professionals, and defenders of regional security.

He encouraged contestants to use the competition as an opportunity to develop innovative ideas capable of strengthening anti-money laundering systems and promoting good governance throughout West Africa.

Also addressing the gathering, David N. Borbor, Director General of Sierra Leone’s Financial Intelligence Unit, challenged students to become champions of transparency and integrity in their respective countries.

He warned that money laundering and terrorist financing undermine economic stability, national security, and sustainable development, stressing that the fight against financial crime requires a whole-of-society approach involving governments, institutions, civil society, and citizens.

Borbor also called for increased public education through workshops, case studies, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement to build stronger national resilience against financial crime.

Addressing the contestants, he reminded them that they were representing not only their universities but also their countries and families, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

Representing the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Cyrus Christin Justice Ngegba, Deputy Director of Youth, officially declared the competition open on behalf of the Minister.

He said ethical leadership demands courage, innovation, and accountability, adding that young people are indispensable partners in building a safer, more prosperous, and transparent West Africa.

He commended GIABA and its partners for providing a regional platform that promotes youth participation in advancing financial integrity and expressed hope that the initiative would continue to expand across ECOWAS member states.

Chairman of the Sierra Leone Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on AML/CFT, Sahr Kendema, also praised the initiative, describing it as an important avenue for equipping university students with the knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills needed to combat financial crime and strengthen governance across the region.

The contest brought together students from universities in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, alongside government officials, academics, civil society representatives, financial crime experts, and members of the media, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Organisers said the annual competition continues to serve as an important platform for raising awareness among young people while promoting innovative solutions that advance transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic development across West Africa.