Posted by Ahmed Iyanda | 2 years ago | 1,243 times
As the 2023 general elections continue to inch closer, 'Vote Not Fight' Ogun State, has inaugurated a 10-man committee to champion its campaign ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The Ten-man committee were inaugurated at the one-day workshop held at Degree Innovation Hub, National Library Building, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking at the event, the state Coordinator, Obasanjo Fajemirokun said the workshop was aimed at inaugurating Ogun State 'Vote Not Fight Team and inform the team about their roles and responsibilities in promoting the campaign at the grassroots and on social media, as well as develop a state work plan.
"Vote Not Fight is a campaign designed to increase the participation of youths, men, women and People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s political and electoral processes by promoting peaceful and constructive youth engagement with political stakeholders, electoral umpire and security agencies before, during, and after elections,"he said.
Obasanjo noted that the committee consists of active citizens from every nook and cranny of the state, adding that citizens would be sensitized on the need to cast their vote rightly and more importantly, to peacefully conduct themselves as the election is not a do-or-die affair.
"Electoral violence is one of the major catalysts of crises and destruction of lives and property in our communities and we felt there's a need to start tackling it with seriousness now that we are in the season of elections."
According to the Coordinator, he said "This is the first time 'Vote Not Fight' is taking its peace advocacy strides to Ogun State and we are glad it is coming at a time we needed it most.
He, however, charged the committee to be good ambassadors who will stand for peace and speak peace to the people of the state.
"We expect them to go and educate our youths not to allow themselves to be used by bad elements or politicians to disrupt the peace of our communities before, during and after elections,’’ he added.
He further appreciated United States Agency for International Development(USAID), United Kingdom Agency for International Development(UKAid), National Democratic Institute and The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) for supporting the Vote Not Fight campaign in Ogun state.