WFD CALLS FOR ROBUST VOTER EDUCATION TO REDUCE VOTER APATHY AND VIOLENCE.

As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commence the “Clean-Up Exercise of The National Voters Register” nationwide on Tuesday, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, (WFD) has urged registered voters in the country to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to vote for credible leaders in the 2019 general elections.

The Country Representative of the Foundation, Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, represented by the Programme Coordinator, Ms. Olusola Folayan gave this advice during the Capacity Building Session for NYSC Corps members at the Orientation camp, Ede in Osun State. During the training which was supported by European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), Ms. Folayan noted that collection of PVCs is now very essential to the electorate as well as for the success of the forthcoming general elections. This is important for citizens to contribute their bit towards voting leaders of their choice and leaders of proven integrity during the general elections.

Also speaking during the NYSC Capacity Building sessions organised for the Corps Members, Mrs Oluwaseun Rachael Osimosi, of Isokan Local government area, Mr Toluwanimi Ogunsina of Ifedayo local government and Mrs Aghedo Monsurat Taiwo from Oriade local government area, noted that the training was geared towards reducing the level of youth and women apathy during elections. in the election process. They held that knowledge gained by the Corps Members, as well as the developed capacity to replicate the training, would be passed across to other youths in places of primary assignments, particularly at the local government areas of the state. With this peer-to-peer engagement, the Corps Members and the youths being reached-out to, will become more knowledgeable about the electoral process and keen to perform their responsibilities as patriotic citizens and voters.

The peer-to-peer voter education outreach is being realised through a newly established NYSC Voter Education CDS group. The subsequent activities of this CDS group will positively impact the youth constituency in the communities where the Corps Members will be implementing their primary assignments.

 The targets of the CDS Voter Education Outreach would be young persons within the age range of 18-35 years. Each of the Corps member would also reach-out to at least fifty (50) young people in their respective communities of primary assignment.

The NYSC Corps members were implored to deploy sustainable and effective strategies that would lead to very high voter turnout and ensure a reduction in incidences of violence in the coming election. 

This training, organised by WFD, was described by both the trainers as the first ever Voter Education CDS group in Osun state. They called for the continuation of this initiative as it will contribute to supporting further sensitizing young voters, reduce the involvement of youths in electoral violence and, and increase voters’ turnout in the forthcoming general election.

Reported by Richard Akintade, Osogbo