A socio-political group, Ondo State Conscience Movement (OCM) has said it would tour the 203 wards in the state to stimulate participation and voter education in the state.
The Chairman of the Group, Shalom Olaseni, said in a statement on Wednesday that the tour would be a deciding factor in voters’ participation in the next electoral season.
Mr Olaseni highlighted the urgency and importance of engaging with citizens across the length and breadth of the state, adding that the outcome of the 2023 general election could discourage the people from voting in future elections.
“We are thrilled to announce our ambitious and unprecedented initiative, a Wards Tour of all 203 Wards in Ondo State.
“An educated voter is a powerful person, and our tour will include comprehensive voter education programmes, seminars and workshops to equip citizens,” he said.
Olaseni said that the group would go the extent of sensitising voters on the nature of demands, standards, and expectations that could serve as reliable indices for choosing a candidate, with the knowledge of critical evaluation.
“This monumental effort is aimed at sensitising our people, galvanising popular participation, and carrying out extensive voter education, ahead of the upcoming local elections in our great state.
“As we stand at the precipice of yet another crucial electoral season, we recognise the urgency and importance of engaging with our fellow citizens across the length and breadth of Ondo State.
“Our goal is to empower every Ondo resident with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions when casting their votes.
”We are committed to promoting active civic engagement.
“Through our tour, we aim to inspire and encourage increased participation in the electoral process, from voter registration to election day turnout.
”We want every eligible voter to exercise his or her right to vote,” he said.
Olaseni said that during the ward tour, the group would employ a grassroots approach in passing their message, by engaging with local communities, leaders, and stakeholders in each of the 203 wards.
