Voter Sensitization Begins in Tewure, Ikoyi as Oriire Youth Council Partners with NOA

A wave of civic reawakening is taking shape in Oriire Local Government Area as the Oriire Youth Council (OYC), in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), intensifies its voter sensitization campaign ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) fresh voter registration exercise, set to commence on Monday, August 18, 2025.

In what is fast becoming a grassroots movement, the Council conducted another phase of its sensitization outreach, visiting three strategic community gathering points to further drive home the importance of civic engagement, voter registration, and political participation.

Three Strategic Stops in One Day

The campaign team began the day at the Tewure Branch of the Park Management System (PMS) — the state government-backed transporters’ union — where they were received by Mr. Isaac Adeoye, the Zonal Chairman, and Mr. Emmanuel Bankole, Unit Chairman. The transport stakeholders described the initiative as a “selfless and visionary effort” capable of repositioning Oriire for overdue development attention.

The team then moved to the Oriire Branch of the Ogbomoso Parapo Youth Wing, under the leadership of Comrade Adegboye Mathew, where the discussion turned toward the systemic challenges suppressing voter engagement in Oriire. The youth wing lamented the glaring absence of government presence—both at the state and federal levels—and linked it to the growing disillusionment of residents, especially the younger generation.

The final stop was at the Oriire Central PMS headquarters, led by Alhaji Memud Mukaila, popularly known as Elegbo. There, the Council’s message resonated strongly with transport operators who pledged to mobilize their sub-units and passengers in support of the campaign.

Community Voices: Why Voter Apathy Persists in Oriire

At the Parapo Youth meeting, community members identified several factors fueling voter apathy in Oriire:

Infrastructural Neglect : Residents feel alienated due to years of government abandonment in terms of roads, healthcare, electricity, and water supply.

Traditional Disputes: Lingering land jurisdictional conflicts among local traditional rulers were highlighted as divisive and demoralizing.

Urban Migration: Many Oriire indigenes migrate to urban centers in search of greener pastures and end up registering and voting outside the LGA, thus shortchanging the area’s electoral numbers.

Poor Political Feedback : A recurring theme was the disconnect between elected representatives and constituents, which has eroded trust in the democratic process.

They advised the OYC to maintain its non-partisan posture and continue serving as a neutral, people-driven voice advocating for progress.

A Case for INEC Decentralization and More Polling Units

The Council was urged to liaise with INEC to create additional polling units and decentralize voter registration centers to cater to Oriire’s geographical spread. With over 800 towns and villages spread across remote terrain, residents find it logistically challenging to register and vote. Addressing this barrier, they said, is key to increasing participation.

NOA Backs Youth-Led Civic Engagement

At all three locations, Mr. Adeniyi Oluseyi Gideon, the NOA Community Mobilization Officer (COMO), sensitized attendees on the importance of voter participation and ownership of democratic processes.

He emphasized that NOA’s partnership with the Youth Council is anchored on the Council’s non-political operations, which create room for broad-based public trust. He also noted that many unclaimed voter cards remain at the INEC office, urging cardholders to pick them up promptly.

Voices of the Council: What Comes Next

In a post-engagement interview, OYC National Chairman, Sarafadeen Isiaq Owonikoko, confirmed that formal appeals have already been made to INEC regarding the decentralization of voter registration within Oriire. He stressed that inclusivity in the electoral process begins with access.

Adding to this, Joshua Ojo Aderemi, OYC’s Ex-Officio I and Youth Parliament Representative, noted that with increased PVC registration and voter turnout, Oriire would be in a better position to demand its fair share of state and federal appointments, capital projects, and developmental quotas.

“Once Oriire can present intimidating electoral figures, the narrative will change. We will have a stronger voice to request commissioners, agency heads, and projects,” he said.

Next Phase: A 5-Day Mobilization Marathon

According to National Secretary Sanusi Olalekan, the Council will roll out an intensive 5-day sensitization campaign beginning Monday, August 18, coinciding with the launch of INEC’s nationwide voter registration.

The next phase will involve visits to markets, religious centers, and community hubs, aiming to reach even the most remote villages within Oriire’s dispersed landscape.

Delegates of Oriire Youth Council Present at the Outreach includes Joshua Ojo Aderemi – Ex-Officio I and Oriire, Sarafadeen Isiaq Owonikoko The National Chairman, Akanji Folasade – Vice Chairman II, Akorede Phebian Jacob – Financial Secretary, Sanusi Olalekan – National Secretary, Ajala Oluwaseun – Assistant National Secretary, Aremu Gideon – Representative, Ward 9, Aduragbemi Oluwafemi – Representative, Ward 5

A Movement in Motion

The Oriire Youth Council’s voter sensitization campaign is no longer just a civic engagement exercise; it is fast becoming a symbol of grassroots awakening. With each meeting and each new partnership, the movement grows stronger — fueled not by political ambition, but by a unified desire to see Oriire fully counted and fairly represented.

Whether this momentum results in long-term political impact remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the youths of Oriire are no longer waiting to be heard — they are taking the message to the people, one village, one voice, one PVC at a time.