As part of its mandate to empower citizens with knowledge of their civic rights and responsibilities, the Office of Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) organized a one-day voter education advocacy program in Ikorodu.
The event, held at the Ayangburen Palace, marked the first of its kind in Lagos State and witnessed enthusiastic participation from community members.
In his opening address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, emphasized the importance of voter education in fostering a participatory democracy.
He noted that the program aims to bridge the gap between citizens and government policies, ensuring residents understand their rights, responsibilities, and the benefits of active civic participation.
“This initiative is a platform to educate our people about the significance of their votes and their role in shaping governance. Voter apathy negatively impacts the electoral process, and we are committed to reversing that trend,” Afolabi stated.
The Special Adviser also announced plans to expand the Mother and Infant Child Health Development (MICHD) program to Ikorodu, a scheme designed to support vulnerable pregnant women with nutritional assistance through Public Health Centres.
He highlighted the importance of registering with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) for seamless access to government services and underscored the benefits of the Ilera-Eko health initiative, which provides affordable healthcare for all Lagos residents.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, commended the government’s efforts and praised Ikorodu residents for their active participation in the last state elections, where the area recorded the highest voter turnout.
He attributed the ongoing infrastructural developments in Ikorodu to this commitment, urging residents to remain steadfast in fulfilling their civic duties.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Debo Adeniran, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, congratulated Ikorodu for being the pioneering community to benefit from this initiative.
He reiterated that informed citizens are the bedrock of good governance and encouraged continuous voter education efforts across Lagos State.
In his remarks, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, thanked the Lagos State Government for the initiative.
He reassured the government of Ikorodu residents’ commitment to active participation in future elections and called for additional polling booths to accommodate the growing population in the area.
The Permanent Secretary of OPL&CE, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore highlighted the need to support elderly citizens in exercising their voting rights, stressing that inclusive participation is key to strengthening democracy.
Participants also benefited from presentations by agencies such as the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which showcased various government initiatives and services.
The event concluded with a pledge from the OPL&CE to replicate the advocacy program in other communities across Lagos, ensuring that residents are well-informed and empowered to engage in governance processes.
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