As part of its ongoing efforts to promote inclusive governance and increase citizen participation in the democratic process, the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) has held a one-day Sensitisation and Engagement Programme with Stakeholders on Voters’ Education.
The programme, which was aimed at sensitising the public on the importance of voter registration, political participation, and responsible civic engagement, was held on Wednesday at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat.
Welcoming participants to the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, who was represented by the Director, Civic Engagement Department OPL&CE, Dr. Babatunde Omotayo, said that the initiative is part of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s visionary movement where electorate are no longer spectators but an integral and functioning part of governance.
Emphasising the critical role of the electorate in shaping governance outcomes, Dr. Afolabi said that voters’ education is not just about knowing when and how to vote but understanding the need to vote.
“Democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed and actively involved. Your Vote is your voice, and not exercising your civic right means your silence. I therefore urge you to return to your community and be a good ambassador of your state by educating others, challenging other electorates, avoiding misinformation, shunning voters’ apathy and election violence. Let’s build Nigeria in unity, with one word, and one vote that counts”
He encouraged all participants to use their vote wisely and choose leaders who will drive progress, development, bring meaningful transformation to the community and deliver dividends of good democratic governance.
Delivering her lecture, the Deputy Director, Voters Education Department, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Mrs. Ola Dawodu, averred that an informed electorate is key to the success of any democratic society, as it helps citizens make responsible choices, reduces misinformation, and increases accountability in governance.
Mrs. Dawodu noted that the participation in the electoral process, particularly at the grassroots level, is often low because many citizens do not fully understand the processes or the significance of their votes, especially in local government elections.
She advised all stakeholders present to take ownership of voter education by continuously engaging their communities and spreading accurate information about voting procedures, eligibility, and the importance of civic participation.
According to her, sustainable partnerships and community-based outreach will help combat voter apathy, increase fairness, inclusiveness, and peaceful participation in all electoral activities across the state.
Addressing the concerns raised about disenfranchisement of some electorate due to inability to get their voters’ cards transferred to their current area of residence, Mrs. Dawodu said that the Commission is not resting on its oars and is currently working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make sure all issues are resolved.
She further appealed to participants to stay informed and proactive by making timely enquiries about their ward from election officers, as voters’ registers are currently being displayed in various wards across the state.
Responding, one of the participants, the Iyaloja General, Ikeja Local Government, Mrs. Adiat Apena, while appreciating the Lagos State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, said that the programme is a laudable initiative and pledged that the knowledge gained will be disseminated during subsequent gatherings at the community level.
Other attendees at the event were Directors from OPL&CE; Senior Special Assistant on Political & Legislative, Hon. Saidi Balogun, Staff of OPL&CE; Officials from LASIEC; Market women and men, Artisans, Members of Youth Parliament, Members of Youth Council, Ikeja and Officials from Nigeria Inter-Religion Council (NIREC).
