NOA Engages Stakeholders in Ondo on Voter Education Ahead of Governorship Polls
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has ramped up efforts to engage and educate stakeholders in Ondo State on the importance of fulfilling their roles effectively for the upcoming governorship election in the state.
The voter education sensitization meeting was flagged off on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at SITA, drawing key participants from various sectors, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Man ‘O’ War, among others.
Declaring the Sensitization meeting Opened the Director-General of National Orientation Agency Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu who was represented by Assistant Director, Political, Civic Ethics and Value Department NOA Headquarters Abuja, Mrs. Olayni Ali said it’s of paramount importance that voter education should be taken to all nooks and crannies of the state to ensure active and massive participation in the upcoming governorship election in the state.
She pointed out that records show the level of citizens apathy to elections and electoral processes which she said necessitated the efforts of NOA on the need to sensitize Nigerians on why and how they should vote and be voted for during elections.
Also speaking at the event, another representative of a the Director-General of the NOA, Mrs. Olorunfemi Olubukola emphasized the significance of the Federal Executive Council’s recent ratification of the “7 for 7” Value Charter, which serves as a national framework for promoting good governance, transparency, and citizen engagement.
She highlighted that part of the agency’s mandate includes conducting a two-week orientation for all newly elected political office holders, from the highest to the lowest levels, to ensure they understand their responsibilities to the public.
Mr. James Adekunle, the State Director of NOA, Ondo State Directorate, underscored the urgency of voter education in light of the upcoming gubernatorial elections scheduled for November 16, 2024.
He noted that a more vigorous approach to voter education is essential to guarantee that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities during the election.
Mr. Adekunle outlined the seven key duties of the government to its citizens and the reciprocal duties of citizens to their society.
Speaking at the event, Oba (Revd) Luyi Rotimi, the Olujigba of Ijigba Community, conveyed the collective stance of traditional rulers in Akure, led by Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure Kingdom.
Oba Rotimi declared that no political office or election is worth the loss of innocent lives, stressing the need for peaceful elections and praised NOA for their persistent efforts in voter education and expressed optimism that, with time, the citizenry would fully embrace the values set out in the national Value Charter.
He further remarked that without peace, unity, and security, no nation can achieve sustainable progress or development.
Ererulu Adekanye, another speaker at the event, called for a re-evaluation of the government’s approach to communication, asserting that the government is not offering favours but fulfilling its obligations to the people and she also highlighted pressing issues such as widespread hunger and the soaring cost of fuel, urging the government to address these challenges.
Alhaji Arowolo, who also commended the NOA for its voter education initiative, stressed the need for the government to curb the excesses in governance that divert critical resources from the welfare of the citizens. He noted that reducing wasteful spending in governance would better serve the interests of the populace.
Representatives from the various agencies present, including security forces and electoral bodies, took turns addressing the gathering, reiterating their commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible elections in Ondo State. Their collective message emphasized the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to create an environment where elections are free, fair, and devoid of violence.
Earlier, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who was represented at the event said that the event marked another significant step in the ongoing efforts to prepare Ondo State for the November 2024 governorship elections, with the NOA playing a pivotal role in voter education and stakeholder engagement.
He called on the people of Ondo State to Vail themselves of vital information that NOA is reeling out.