IFAKO-IJAIYE HOSTS FIRST-EVER GRASSROOTS VOTER SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME IN LAGOS

…As LASIEC, NOA, Political Parties, Religious and Community Leaders Rally Residents Ahead of July 12 Elections

By Taiwo Bakare

In a landmark civic engagement initiative, Community Eye, in collaboration with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), organized a Voter Sensitization Programme on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Secretariat.

Described by LASIEC as the first of its kind to be held in a local government among the Lagos State’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), the event drew a large and diverse crowd from across the community. With the theme, “Strengthening Democracy from the Grassroots: Ensuring Credible Local Government Elections,” the programme aimed to promote democratic values, educate voters, and encourage active civic participation ahead of the council polls scheduled for July 12.

Delivering the first lecture, Chief Akim Durojaiye Oluwo, an Electoral Commissioner representing the LASIEC Chairman, highlighted the foundational role of local governments in national development. In his presentation titled “Electoral Integrity: Ensuring Free, Fair and Credible Elections,” he reaffirmed LASIEC’s constitutional commitment to transparent and inclusive electoral processes. He also assured residents of adequate security and special provisions for the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities on election day.

“The local government is the foundation of governance. It is here that democracy must be most visible. LASIEC is fully prepared to deliver a credible and transparent election on July 12,” he said.

Representing the Director of NOA, Lagos, Madam Zandra Eguavon stressed the importance of civic education and active voter participation: “Democracy cannot thrive without voter education. People must understand that their votes are their voices, and their silence on election day is a disservice to democracy.”

Speaking on behalf of the 19 registered political parties, Mrs. Akinade Temilola, Chairperson of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Lagos, acknowledged internal party challenges but encouraged continued participation: “We must restore trust in the system. Let us not allow grievances to discourage us from exercising our civic responsibility. The power to choose credible leaders lies with the people.”

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, emphasized the danger of voter apathy: “Bad leaders are elected by good followers who decide not to vote. Participating in the polls guarantees better opportunities for our people.”

Goodwill messages were also delivered by notable community and religious leaders including: Pastor Samuel Opajobi, (Chairman, CDC), Messenger (Prophet) Olubode Sobukola, (CAN Coordinator, Ifako-Ijaiye), and

Alhaji Lateef Ayodeji Sunmonu, (President, Ifako-Ijaiye Muslim Community)

All praised the initiative and urged residents to participate peacefully and responsibly in the upcoming elections. The Convener and Publisher of Community Eye, Comrade Taiwo Bakare, received widespread applause for pioneering the programme.

Meanwhile, in his welcome address, he described the event as a platform to reignite civic responsibility, educate the people and to inspire meaningful participation in the democratic process.

“Democracy is not a gift – it is a responsibility. The most powerful tool the people possess in shaping the future of their communities is their votes. It is not just a civic duty; it is the instrument of change, the voice of the people, and the foundation of accountability.

When we stay away from the ballox box, we surrender our voice, when we sell our votes, we mortgage our future, and when we misuse this power, we pave way for poor leadership, broken institutions and poor development

Local government is where democracy is most visible – in the roads we walk on, the markets we trade in, the primary schools our children attend, and the primary healthcare centres we rely on. It is the elections that affect the daily lives of the people in the grassroots. So, we must take it seriously.”

The event witnessed an impressive turnout and broad support from various segments of the community.

The participating Organizations and Stakeholders include:

Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC)

National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos

Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)

Community Development Committee (CDC), Ifako-Ijaiye

Ifako-Ijaiye Muslim Community

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ifako-Ijaiye

Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA), Ifako-Ijaiye

Nigeria Police, Area G Command

Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC)

Ifako-Ijaiye Market Men & Women

Ifako-Ijaiye Leaders of Thought

Senior Citizens Association of Nigeria (SCAN), Ifako-Ijaiye

Department of State Services (DSS)

National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State & Ifako-Ijaiye

Igbo Community – Ifako-Ijaiye & Lagos State

Political Parties in Attendance:

All Progressives Congress (APC)

Labour Party (LP)

Allied People’s Movement (APM)

National Rescue Movement (NRM)

African Democratic Congress (ADC)

With just days remaining until the local government elections, the Ifako-Ijaiye voter sensitization programme has set a powerful precedent for civic engagement in Lagos State – putting the power of the vote back to where it belongs.

COMMUNITY EYE

02/07/2025