From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Leaders of the NGO pose with participants (left), who are in rapt attention during the workshop, (right).
Ahead of February 25th, 2023, general election in Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Lugard Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative, on Tuesday, embarked on sensitisation of Kogi Youths to embrace effective participation in politics and promotion of electoral security.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Okwutepa Aminu Oseni in his welcome address during the one-day workshop and town hall meeting held in Lokoja on Tuesday, described youths as the most vibrant citizens to entrench good governance in any given society.
“Also, the youths form the most ensential instrument that could be used to promote election security when the need arises.
“The workshop is targeted at achieving practical approach for youth political participation and engagement of new administration to promote representation of young people in Kogi governance” Okwutepa disclosed.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Kogi state, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet in his speech, hinted that INEC out of its fourteen mandate for the conduct of the 2023 elections in the state, have successfully carried out twelve of the activities.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner also use the forum to appeal for the complementary roles of the youths across the country to ensure the conduct of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections come February 25th, 2023.
He caushioned Nigeria Youths not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence, thuggery, intimidation as well as vote selling and buying.
Dr. Longpet equally enlightened the youths to embrace effective use of electoral materials and votting pattern as laid down by law in order to obtain acceptable and credible results after casting votes.
“Elegible voters must endeavour to be patience while casting their votes to avoid the temptation of provoketion that could cause crisis” Resident Electoral Commissioner Appeals.
Mr. Hamza Aliyu of the INGRA, Civil Society Organisation in his presentation on “The New Electoral Act and INEC Guideline for the upcoming election” urged the youths to ensure that they abide by the rules of the game to avoid falling into the pitfalls.
