PVC Drive Gathers Momentum As Oriire Youth Council Visits CAN, Tours Oloka Ward 5

The weeklong voter sensitization exercise of the Oriire Youth Council (OYC) moved across several communities on Thursday, 21st of August, with stops at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) meeting in Saamo community Town-Hall of Ward 1, the Cooperative and Credit Union Association meeting at Fedegbo-Olokiti in Ward 5, Oloka community (headquarters of Ward 5), as well as Onila and Obamo.

The train of youth delegates, supported by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), continued its grassroots effort to mobilize citizens for voter registration and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection.

At Saamo, Apostle Joel Gbadero, Chairman of CAN Oriire, commended the initiative, saying:

“What the youths of Oriire are doing is not just politics, it is service to God and to humanity. If our people do not register, they cannot be counted, and when they are not counted, our local government will remain voiceless in state and national affairs. This effort must not stop here; it is a challenge to all of us as leaders to rise and support this movement.”

At Fedegbo-Olokiti, while addressing journalists shortly after the Cooperative Union meeting, respected community leader Mr. Jimoh Rafiu Oyeyemi declared:

“I am full of appreciation to these young people for carrying this difficult task on their shoulders. They are hitting the nail on the head. For too long, Oriire has waited for a brighter future, and today, we see a signal of that long overdue change.”

The Cooperative Union members engaged the OYC with practical questions. Some asked how, when, and where to approach INEC to either register or collect unclaimed PVCs. Others pressed the delegation on whether the OYC would carry along other youth-focused groups in Oriire to ensure inclusiveness.

Responding, OYC Assistant National Secretary, Mr. Ajala Oluwaseun, explained:

“This sensitization is not limited to one group. It is for every son and daughter of Oriire. That is why we are moving from churches to mosques, from town halls to markets, to ensure no one is left behind. As for INEC, their office in Ikoyi-Ile is open, and this is the right time for anyone whose card is missing, damaged, or who has relocated, to go there and get things done.”

National PRO I of the OYC, Mr. Ajadi Isaac Oluwasegun, emphasized inclusiveness and unity:

“We are ready to work hand-in-hand with every other youth association in Oriire. This project is bigger than OYC. It is about securing our future as a people. If Oriire rises, we all rise together, regardless of political leaning or affiliation.”

Ex-Officio I of OYC and member representing Oriire at the Oyo State Youth Parliament, Joshua Ojo Aderemi, added a strong message:

“We are not here to tell you who to vote for. That decision belongs to you, your conscience, and your God. But we must tell you this — without the PVC, Oriire will remain silent when other LGAs are speaking. And silence is no longer an option for us.”

NOA’s Community Mobilization Officer, Mr. Adeniyi Oluseyi Gideon, and his team also used the platform to remind residents:

“Hundreds of PVCs are still lying unclaimed at INEC’s office. This is the time to collect them. Register, update, and be ready to let your votes count.”

The exercise rounds up today, Friday, at Ikoyi-Ile Central Mosque, Igbori Palace, and mosques in Wards 4 and 6. With the conclusion of this campaign, the OYC says it has played its part in awakening Oriire to the responsibility of participation.

The next step, according to the council, is to harmonize the demands of Oriire youths and residents into a working document ahead of the 2027, 2031 and 2035 elections, in line with its decade-long agenda,
Vision2034.

“We believe Oriire can, within 10 years, compete favourably with other LGAs in infrastructure, political representation, and opportunities. But it begins with this first step — the PVC,”
the council concluded.