PVC drive: Oriire Youth Council Meets Hon. ‘Wolekanle’, Seeks Oyo Government’s Intervention To Combat Voters’ Apathy

In its continuous effort to reposition Oriire Local Government for strategic political relevance, the Oriire Youth Council (OYC), on Friday, paid a high-level visit to Bashorun Akinwale Wolekanle, Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, to present its proposed PVC Sensitization Drive and solicit support from key stakeholders across the Ogbomoso zone.

The meeting, held at AA Luxury Suites, Ogbomoso North, focused on the Council’s upcoming PVC Awareness Campaign slated for August 18–22, 2025, across religious centers, markets, and local gathering spots in Oriire.

The Youth Council emphasized that the campaign is designed to combat rising voter apathy, promote electoral participation, and position Oriire as a politically relevant constituency when government decisions on infrastructure and appointments are made.

In his response, Bashorun Wolekanle expressed admiration for the initiative, describing it as a selfless, visionary intervention at a time when civic engagement is most needed. He said:

“This is a commendable step. It is rare to see young people drive such focused, community-based initiatives. I will do everything within my capacity to support you, including job facilitation and wider government collaboration.”

He noted that Oriire’s consistent exclusion from federal and state appointments and development projects was partly due to low political participation, adding that the solution lies in grassroots mobilization.

He further advised the Council to remain united, transparent, and avoid internal power tussles:

“Do not let ambition or personal interest distract your collective vision. The future of Oriire depends on efforts like this.

Also present at the meeting was Hon. Eyitayo Oyedepo, Supervisor for Health, Oriire LGA, and a political ally of Bashorun Wolekanle. He affirmed the Council’s authenticity, saying:

“These are true sons and daughters of Oriire, born and bred here. Their commitment is unquestionable. Their passion is to see Oriire thrive—and they deserve our full support.”

Each delegate of the Oriire Youth Council took turns to express their views on the importance of the PVC Drive and the role of leadership in mobilizing the grassroots:

Sarafadeen Isiaq Owonikoko – National Chairman

“This PVC Drive is not just a campaign — it is a call to action. We want Oriire to be taken seriously when federal and state governments allocate projects and appointments. That begins with showing up at the polls.”

Ogundare Lawrence Temitayo – Vice Chairman I
“We’re tackling a long-standing myth — that votes don’t count. We’ll be on the ground, in churches, mosques, and markets, educating people that their votes are their voices.”
Akanji Folasade – Vice Chairman II

“Our women and market leaders are often overlooked in these conversations. We’re prioritizing engagement with them because their numbers and influence can drive real change.”

Akorede Phebian Jacob – Financial Secretary stated that;

“Though we are working with limited resources, our passion drives us. But we need institutional backing to make this campaign impactful, and your support will make the difference.”

Aremu Gideon – Ward 9 Representative “The rural communities are often left behind. Our team is committed to reaching even the most remote villages — face-to-face, in their language.”
Joshua Ojo Aderemi – Ex-Officio 1; Oyo State Youth Parliament Rep
“Every vote adds weight to Oriire’s relevance. When we increase turnout, we raise our bargaining power. This campaign is about building that electoral capital.”

Earlier in the week, the Council met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) at the Oriire Legislative Building to discuss collaboration. The NOA has since confirmed its readiness to partner, while feedback is still being awaited from INEC.

The tripartite effort is targeted at creating lasting voter education and ensuring Oriire stands out during the next electoral cycle.

In addition to executive consultations, the Youth Council also met with the Legislative Arm of Oriire Local Government under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Adebayo Opeyemi, during one of their plenary sessions. There, the Council presented the full scope of the PVC sensitization initiative and received strong backing from the local lawmakers, who acknowledged the need for voter education and pledged legislative goodwill to support the drive.

In a show of strategic planning and coordination, the Youth Council has already met with:

Hon. Michael Alabi Olateju – Executive Chairman of the LG.
Hon. Johnson Ogundele Akin – Member, Oyo State House of Assembly
Majority Leader, Oyo State House of Assembly (Ogbomoso Zone)
Scheduled meetings include:
Hon. Jacob Bamigboye, former LG Chairman and Assembly Member
Rt. Hon. Gunju Ojo, Former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly (8th Assembly) – Meeting holds Sunday, August 3rd
Awaiting feedback from:
Chief of Staff, Oyo State Government
Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala, Member, House of Representatives
State Party Secretariats of APC and PDP
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
As Oriire Youth Council intensifies its mobilization campaign, it is clear that a new generation of civic-minded leaders is emerging — committed to transforming Oriire from a politically sidelined LGA to one recognized for its voter strength, grassroots organization, and development potential.
With endorsements from both the executive and legislative arms of the local government, as well as support from zonal political figures like Bashorun Wolekanle, the path to putting Oriire on the radar of decision-makers is now clearer than ever.