PVC Drive: Oriire Youth Intensify Voter Sensitization In Wards 1,2, Receive Commendation from Alara of Fapote

The Oriire Youth Council (OYC) on Wednesday, 20th August, continued its week-long PVC sensitization campaign with a robust outreach across Wards 2 and 3. The day’s program began with a visit to the Alara of Fapote’s Palace, where the Council met with Chief John Oyeyiola Ogundipe and coincidentally joined the ongoing meeting of Iyaloja (market women).

Speaking to the visiting delegates, the Alara of Fapote commended the initiative, stressing that the resilience of the youths was a sign that Oriire still holds a bright future.

“I see great potential in what you young people are doing. If this energy is sustained and complemented by our political, religious, and traditional leaders, Oriire will rise again. I encourage every indigene of Oriire to support this noble move, because the future belongs to all of us.”

At the meeting, market women expressed both enthusiasm and curiosity. Some asked practical questions on how, when, and where to engage INEC for their PVC. One of the leaders voiced their collective concern:

“Many of us are willing, but we need clear guidance. Where exactly should we go to register or collect the PVC? And will INEC attend to us on market days when we are less busy?”

In response, members of OYC reassured them that the sensitization was not about directing them on who to vote for, but about ensuring they were empowered to make their votes count.

The OYC National Chairman, Sarafadeen Owonikoko Isiaq, explained:

“We are not here to tell anyone who to vote for. That decision is between you, your conscience, and God. Our focus is to make sure that every eligible Oriire indigene registers, collects, and safeguards their PVC. That is the first step to securing our future.”

Echoing the same, the OYC PRO II, Ojo Oluwasegun Emmanuel, emphasized the individual responsibility of each eligible voter:

“Your PVC is your voice. Without it, your choice cannot be heard. We are pleading with you to also encourage your children, friends, and neighbours to do the same. Together, we can make Oriire count.”

On his part, Ex-Officio and Oriire Youth Representative

at the Oyo State Youth Parliament, Joshua Ojo Aderemi, described the exercise as both eye-opening and inspiring:

“Our interaction today shows that our people are eager, but they need confidence and direction. We will return to our drawing board to build a sustainable roadmap for Oriire’s growth, while ensuring that this momentum never dies.”

The exercise later proceeded to Tewure Market, Oloya, Olorunda, Omidoyin, and Ajinapa communities, where OYC members spread out to engage one-on-one with men, women, and youths. In each location, they emphasized that registering, updating, or replacing lost/damaged PVCs was a right that should not be delayed.

NOA COMO, Mr. Adeniyi Oluseyi Gideon, who accompanied the team, also enlightened the people on why they must collect their unclaimed PVCs from the INEC office and ensure their votes truly count.

The sensitization continues today with a planned stop at the CAN General Meeting in Saamo Community (Ward 1), before moving on to Ward 5 headquarters at Oloka.