A Group, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), has urged the youth in Ondo State to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the state.
The Programme Manager, BIGIF, Mr Nelson Akerele, made the call on Thursday in Akure.
Akerele urged all the eligible youth and first-time voters to take advantage of the opportunity, as the state prepare for the governorship election scheduled for November.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) had opened registration on May 27, and will run until June 5 across the 18 local government areas.
The CVR exercise allows new registrants, those wishing to transfer their registrations, and individuals with lost or defaced Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to obtain replacements.
According to Akerele, the CVR process is crucial for including eligible Nigerians, who have reached the voting age of 18 since the last registration exercise to ensure that they are not disenfranchised.
Ak
erele decried low turnout observed at some centers, describing it as discouraging, thereby urged all stakeholders to mobilise people for the CVR exercise, stating that, ‘your vote is your power.’
The group, which is a youth-led non-governmental organisation, is actively encouraging youths and other eligible residents to register and obtain their PVCs.
Akerele stressed the importance of inclusive political participation for building a stable society and developing policies that address the needs of younger generations.
He called on the youth to engage in community and national life, contributing to the country’s future through creative and productive thinking.
Supported by LeapAfrica under the Nigeria Youth Future Fund, BIGIF aimed to engage youths in active participation and decision-making processes.
Akerele expressed optimisms that increase in the youth inclusion in governance will lead to inclusive development and national recovery.
NAN reports that BIGIF is a registered nonpartisan, nonprofit organi
sation focused on women and youths empowerment, good governance, policy advocacy, and citizens engagement.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria