Voter Apathy: Oriire Youth Sensitizes Residents, Mobilizes Them for PVC Registration

Voter Apathy: Oriire Youth Sensitizes Residents, Mobilizes Them for PVC Registration

The Oriire Youth Council is proving that you don’t have to wait for power to make change—you organize your people, educate your community, and you claim your future. That’s the energy coming from Oriire Local Government right now, as the Council officially declared its readiness to launch a massive voter sensitization campaign across the ten wards of the LGA.

In a bold and proactive move, the 30-member non-partisan youth body has announced plans to take the gospel of civic responsibility directly to the streets, markets, mosques, churches, schools, town unions, and everywhere the people gather.
And make no mistake—this is more than just a campaign. It’s a movement.

The Mission: Educate, Register, Mobilize

“We’re not just raising awareness,” says Sarafadeen Owonikoko Isiaq, National Chairman of the Oriire Youth Council. “We’re waking the sleeping giant that Oriire has become. Our people have the numbers, the capacity, the brilliance—but politically, we’ve not been pulling enough weight. That’s what this campaign will fix.”
The campaign will target:

1. Unregistered eligible voters (especially youths turning 18+),

2. Individuals with misplaced or damaged PVCs,

3. And communities with low electoral turnout history.

Working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Council plans to ensure every eligible adult knows when, where, and how to register and vote.

Why It Matters: The Power of Numbers

In Nigeria’s democracy, voter figures are more than numbers—they determine development, appointments, and influence.

According to National Secretary, Sanusi Olalekan Oyekanmi, “We’ve seen it happen again and again. Communities with higher voter strength get more recognition, more federal and state projects, and even more political appointments. So if Oriire wants more commissioners, more boards, more roads, more schools—we must vote in our numbers.”
He continued:

“This isn’t about a party. It’s about presence. It’s about proving that Oriire counts—and that starts with our PVCs.”

Women Are Taking the Lead Too

The leadership team is also sending a strong message about gender inclusion. Comrade Folasade Akanji, Vice Chairman II, emphasizes that women must not be left behind in civic engagement.

“Women are usually the first to complain about hardship, lack of school fees, poor roads or water issues. But if we are not part of choosing who represents us, how do we expect things to change?

This campaign is also a call to all mothers, sisters, and market women to get their PVCs and vote for our future.”

Similarly, Comrade Temitayo Ogundare, Vice Chairman I, stressed the importance of youth ownership of political processes:

“This campaign is for every young person who is tired of watching things fall apart. We are not just onlookers—we are stakeholders. It’s time to stop spectating and start participating.”

Grassroots Over Billboards

This is not a sit-behind-the-desk campaign. According to the Council’s Public Relations Officer, Ajadi Isaac, the strategy is fully grassroots.
“We’re going to the people directly,” he says. “Churches, mosques, town hall meetings, markets, okada unions, youth clubs—wherever people are, we will meet them there. We’re not waiting for people to come to us; we’re taking the message to them in a language they understand.”

What’s Driving This? The #OriireFirst Vision

This sensitization effort is one component of the Council’s 10-Year Development Agenda (2024–2034)—an ambitious roadmap to reposition Oriire as a thriving, self-actualized local government.
Joshua Ojo Aderemi, Ex-officio I of the Council and a serving member at the Oyo State Youth Parliament, said the time has come for strategic visibility.

“If we want development, we must be visible politically. That visibility starts with electoral figures. Let’s not forget, Oriire is one of the five LGAs in Ogbomoso zone, yet we’re often underrepresented. That must change—and this campaign is a practical step toward that change.”

He adds:

“Our belief is simple: if you want your voice to be heard in government, your vote must speak first.”

The Next Steps

The Council has concluded plans to:

1. Visit INEC’s Oriire office to obtain official registration timelines,

2. Engage the National Orientation Agency for partnership,

3. Send courtesy visit letters to top political actors including Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi (Chief of Staff, Oyo State), Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin (Majority Leader, OYHA), and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (Member, House of Reps).

They are also calling on political parties to support this civic movement.

“We want PDP, APC, and every other political platform to see that a politically active Oriire is good for everybody,” says Chairman Owonikoko. “We don’t want godfather politics. We want mass participation.”

There’s a certain wind blowing in Oriire—a wind of action, of ideas, and of ownership. What started as a youth-led initiative may soon become a full-blown civic revolution.

As Secretary Sanusi puts it, “We’re not just telling people to vote. We’re telling them to believe in their own power.”

And PRO Ajadi adds, “Let them say Oriire used to be forgotten. After this campaign, Oriire will be impossible to ignore.”

Comrade Temitayo wraps it up best: “We are raising a generation that will no longer wait for change. We will be the change.”

If you’re from Oriire—and you’re 18 and above—this is your moment.
Get your PVC. Tell a friend. And let’s build a new Oriire, together.