By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Ahead of the off-circle Governorship Election in Kogi State, an International Non-Governmental Organization, Ready To Lead (RTLD) Africa, has organised a Peace Walk and Voter Education programme for Saturday poll.
The NGO, in Collaboration with Lugard Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (LYDEI) held the programme at Ajaka, Igalamela/Odolu Local government as part of measures to ensure peaceful, free and fair election in the State.
The programme was supported with funds from Nigeria Youth Future Funds Project (NYFF), aimed to realize the collective demand for peaceful free and fair election in the State.
The event tagged, “Youth Peace Walk/Voters Education”, saw the placards and banners carrying youths walk from the Local Government Secretariat to the Popular Ajaka Market square urging the electorate, young and old to stand for peaceful election.
The Lead Speaker and Executive Director, LYDEI, Mr Okwutepa Aminu Oseni, who spoke in Igala language, urged the electorate including market men and women as well as peasants to come out enmasse and vote for candidates of their choice on November 11.
Oseni further implored the community members to advice and persuade their children and wards against engaging in thuggery, violence and general electoral misconduct before, during and after the election day.
Oseni who is also the State Leader of RTLD Africa, on behalf of the Organizer, commended the youths for coming out enmasse for the peaceful procession and urged them to keep the spirit alive for the election.
He also demanded INEC as the umpire and the election management body ensure peaceful and transparent conduct.
He also appealed to the young electorate to desist from electoral Violence, during and after the election saying they should not allow themselves to be used by any politicians as thugs to cause violent.
As part of the Peace Walk/Voter Education exercise, the youths displayed placards and banners bearing Peace Massages such as “My people, your life better pass wetin them go use cause wahala”; “We all say No to electoral violence.”
Other inscriptions include, “Kogi State Youth Say Every Vote Must Count”. “Election No Be War”; “Come Out And Vote November 11th 2023 Govenorship Election Your Vote Go Count”
Others include, “Say No To Hate Speech And Fake News Ahead Of November Poll” Among others. (Ends)