CSOs take PVC awareness campaign to Ojo LGA
Some Civil society organisations on Saturday, held a roadshow at the Ojo Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State, to sensitise residents on registration for the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The roadshow is aimed at sensitising residents on the need to register and collect their PVCs.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roadshow, convened by Springwell Development Initiative had the support of Yiaga Africa, with funds from National Endowment for Democracy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Lagos Focal Person for Yiaga Africa, Mr Michael Ogunshola, said the exercise followed an earlier town hall meeting aimed at encouraging civic participation.
He said the road walk focused on community sensitisation and encouraging residents to take part in the electoral process.
Ogunshola commended volunteers and residents for their commitment, noting that many participated without any financial incentive because of their concern for their communities.
He said the initiative sought to change negative narratives about civic engagement, and strengthen citizens’ commitment to democratic participation.
According to him, the sensitisation campaign will extend to other LGAs in the state.
“The next destination according to our plan is Alimosho, where we will continue the awareness campaign,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Springwell Development Initiative, Mrs Feyikemi Fabiyi-Omoniyi, said the roadshow targeted residents of Ojo community, especially youths.
Fabiyi-Omoniyi said volunteers distributed flyers and pasted stickers, while educating residents on locations within the area where they could register and collect their PVCs.
She said the exercise also involved engaging people in markets and other public places to encourage wider participation.
According to her, the group observed that many older residents already had PVCs, while most of those yet to obtain them were youths.
She noted that some youths had expressed doubts about whether their votes would count during elections, adding that the volunteers re-oriented them on the importance of participating in the electoral process.
According to her, citizens demanding accountability and good governance, must also participate in elections by registering and voting.
She added that community ambassadors had been appointed to sustain the mobilisation efforts.
“Ambassadors in the community have collected contacts of interested youths and will follow up to ensure they register and collect their PVCs,” she said.
Fabiyi-Omoniyi added that volunteers and ambassadors would also help monitor the electoral process during future elections.
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