LASG TAKES VOTER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO ALIMOSHO
In its effort to enhance active electoral and democratic participation among residents, the Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE), has organised a one-day Advocacy for Voter Education to promote voter awareness and encourage participation in governance and democratic activities.
The advocacy programme was held recently at the Alimosho Local Government Area, Alimosho, Lagos.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, the Director of the Political Department, Mrs. Kemi Arigbagba, stated in her opening remarks that voter education remains a critical component of effective civic engagement. She stressed that citizens need to understand not only their rights but also their responsibilities in the democratic process, as well as their power to shape the leadership and policies that affect their communities.
She noted that an effective democracy depends on citizens who are informed, engaged, and willing to participate responsibly. Adding that as Lagos continues to grow, there is a need to strengthen the culture of participatory democracy where citizens not only vote during elections but also remain actively involved in governance, engage their representatives, ask questions, and contribute to the development of their communities.
According to her, the Office remains relentless in its efforts to build an engaged Lagos where every resident understands that their voice matters and that governance is a shared responsibility between the Government and the people. She reiterated that through active civic participation, Lagos residents can build a State where they are not mere spectators, but active partners in its development.
Delivering her lecture, the Deputy Director of Civic and Voter Education at the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Mrs. Ola Dawodu, sensitised participants on the Electoral Process, Voter Education, and the importance of exercising their Civic Responsibilities. She encouraged eligible citizens to stay informed about electoral procedures and actively participate in elections.
Mrs. Dawodu further stressed the need for Lagos residents to understand the value of their votes and make informed choices, noting that active voter participation will contribute significantly to accountable and responsive governance.
A representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Sunday Obanubi, emphasised the need for voters to keep their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) safe and in good condition. He also educated participants on how to locate their polling units using the information on their voter cards, stressing that knowing one’s polling unit is essential for participating effectively on election day.
He further informed participants that voter registration is currently suspended, urging eligible citizens to remain attentive to official announcements from INEC regarding future registration opportunities and other electoral activities.
Speaking on Participatory Democracy, the Head of Operations and Programmes at CivicHive, Mr. Temidayo Musa, explained that democracy extends beyond voting during elections. He encouraged citizens to participate in community development, engage the government constructively, demand accountability, and contribute meaningfully to decisions affecting their communities.
Mr. Musa noted that participatory democracy thrives when citizens are willing to engage with the Government at different levels and utilise the available channels to express their views, concerns, and aspirations. He urged participants to become active advocates for civic participation within their respective communities.
Delivering a goodwill message, one of the traditional rulers present at the event, Baale Awori Abule Shasha, High Chief Olukosi Monsuru, commended the Lagos State Government and urged residents to take advantage of the available civic engagement platforms. He noted that sustainable democratic development requires the collective participation of the Government, Community and Citizens.
The programme also featured goodwill messages from other Traditional leaders and religious leaders, including the Iyalojas, the Babalojas, and the Artisan Chairman.
Participants had the opportunity to interact with the facilitators and seek clarification on issues relating to voter participation, electoral responsibilities, and the role of citizens in strengthening democratic governance.
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