The Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement has held a one-day Advocacy on Voters’ Education to build a more inclusive government and a society actively participating in the democratic process.
The event was held at The Palace of De- Ovitotode Toyi 1 Aholu Sano of Ikoga-Zebbe Kingdom, Badagry, and Lagos State.
Addressing the participants, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative & Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, said the Ikoga-Zebbe Community was selected for the event because it has 25 adjourning communities, noting that Advocacy such as this brings the government closer to the people.
He said voter education is a vital step towards empowering communities, and strengthening democracy and that citizens can only play an active role as an electorate when they are fully informed, well-educated, and equipped to make reasonable decisions.
“I want us to know that the decisions we make in those elections will affect not only our immediate communities but also the future of our great country. This is why our efforts to educate you all as voters are very critical. Every vote cast must be an informed one. Every citizen must understand the electoral process, the importance of their participation, and the consequences of their decisions” He noted.
Highlighting other activities of the Office, The Special Adviser explained that the “Sanwo-Olu Listens”, a social intervention programme has continued to put smiles on the faces of the vulnerable residents of Lagos by addressing their diverse needs such as medical, business, education, accommodation.
Intimating the participants about other activities of the Office, the Special Adviser said that the office also runs the Mother Infant and Child Development (MICHD) Program, a cornerstone of the Womb to School initiatives programme, and the Citizensgate App, a one-stop shop for all Lagos State Government services for the residents of Lagos, that will assist the resident to pass complaints, comments, and commendations to the government in the comfort of their homes/offices.
Taking the people on Voters’ Education, the Deputy Director, Civic and Voters Education, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASEIC), Mrs. Ola Dawodu said that enlightening the electorates will help them make informed decisions, understand their rights and responsibilities, and participate fully in the electoral process.
In a similar vein, the Chairman of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, (CDHR) Comrade Debo Adeniran said electing a government that is responsive to the citizens is the right of the people, and exercising this right will ensure that dividends of good governance are spread across all citizens.
He advised the participants that they should see themselves as part of the government by participating at all levels of governance and holding the government accountable when necessary.
While appreciating the Lagos State Government, His Royal Highness De- Ovitotode Toyi 1 (FCCN), Aholu Sano of Ikoga-Zebbe Kingdom, Badagry said the knowledge gained at the event will be further disseminated at various community meetings for the benefit of those citizens that are not present at the event.
Stating some of the challenges faced by the community, His Royal Highness also said the Ikoga-Zebbe Kingdom has benefited from the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration, especially during the distribution of food box palliatives.
He, however, noted that there is a need to renovate some of the roads leading to the community, build additional functional maternity centres for the community, and bring more beneficial government programmes to the community for the benefit of the residents.
Appreciating the participants, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore said all the challenges raised by the residents have been duly noted and will be channelled to the appropriate authorities for speedy solutions.
Also present at the event is His Royal Majesty, Oba Patinvoh Abiodun, Aholu of Yafin Kingdom, Hon. Whingan Sesi representing Badagry Federal Constituency, represented by Honorable Pius Whingan and some members of Community Development Committee Badagry.
