In a significant move to deepen democratic engagement and boost voters’ participation in Oriire Local Government, the Oriire Youth Council (OYC) earlier today held a tripartite meeting with representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) at the Legislative Building of the Oriire Local Government Secretariat. The meeting, which focused on forging partnerships for the upcoming PVC Sensitization Drive scheduled for August 18–22, was attended by key stakeholders from the three bodies. Leading the INEC delegation was *Mr. Olundegun M.A.*, Electoral Officer for Oriire, while *Mr. Adeniyi Oluseyi Gideon*, the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer (COMO), represented the NOA. In his opening remarks, Sarafadeen Isiaq Owonikoko,National Chairman of OYC, emphasized the importance of strategic collaborations to increase civic consciousness, particularly among youths and first-time voters. “Our people must understand that having a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is not just a right, but a responsibility to influence governance and development in our area,” he said. Akanji Folasade, Vice Chairman II of the Council, advocated for a community-based awareness model, suggesting that “religious centers, markets, and popular meeting places should be the key touchpoints of our campaign.” The National Public Relations Officer I, Ajadi Isaac Oluwasegun, described the campaign as timely, noting that “there is no better time to drive home the importance of voter participation, especially with the low voter turnout and large numbers of uncollected PVCs.” INEC’s Mr. Olundegun lamented the apathy among registered voters in the local government, revealing that “a significant number of PVCs are lying unclaimed in our custody. We are looking forward to the Youth Council’s efforts to encourage people, especially the youth, to come forward and collect their cards.” NOA’s representative, Mr. Adeniyi Oluseyi Gideon, commended the initiative and stressed the need to extend the advocacy beyond PVC collection to harnessing Oriire’s other potentials. “With our vast arable lands, we should also use this opportunity to promote community development and attract agricultural investments,” he advised. Ojo Oluwasegun Emmanuel, National PRO II, emphasized the need for continuity. “This sensitization shouldn’t end in one week; we should institutionalize civic education at the grassroots.” The Council’s Financial Secretary, Akorede Phebian Jacob highlighted the inclusive nature of the campaign, stating, “We are deliberate in reaching women, youths, and the elderly across all wards.” Aremu Gideon, who represented Ward 9, called on INEC and NOA to approve formal collaboration for the campaign period. “We hope that after today’s deliberation, we can move from intention to implementation.” Joshua Ojo Aderemi, Ex-Officio I and the member representing Oriire Youths at the Oyo State Youth Parliament, added that “voter apathy undermines our electoral strength. If we turn out massively to vote, it will boost our chances of attracting attention to Oriire in government policies, appointments, and infrastructural development.” The INEC and NOA representatives welcomed the proposal and assured the Council that the partnership request would be relayed to their respective superior offices for prompt consideration and possible approval. Earlier this month, OYC had also met with the Legislative Council of Oriire under the leadership of *Hon. Opeyemi Adebayo*, the Executive Chairman of Oriire LG, *Hon. Michael Alabi Olateju*, and *Hon. Johnson Ogundele Akin*, the Member representing Oriire State Constituency. Similarly, they held consultations with *Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin*, Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Scheduled meetings are underway with other political stakeholders including *Hon. Jacob Bamigboye*, *Rt. Hon. Gunju Ojo*, *Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala*, *Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi Ebenezer* and party secretariats of the PDP and APC. Courtesy visit letters have also been submitted to *Hon. Wasilat Adegoke* (Commissioner for Youth and Sports), *Hon. Dotun Oyelade* (Commissioner for Information), *Rt. Hon. Edward Adebo Ogundoyin* (Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly), *Hon. Open Salawu* (DG, Project Performance Monitoring Agency), and *Hon. Akinwale Wolekanle* (Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission). The Youth Council reiterated that the overarching aim of the campaign is to reposition Oriire in the political landscape by promoting active civic participation, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and responsive governance.
