Group begins voter education, Makinde’s re-election campaign

A professional group, Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID), has commenced voter education outreach and support for Gov. Seyi Makinde’s re-election.

The project was unveiled during an event held at the Community High School, Owobale in Erunmu area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Our correspondent reports that OID is a group supporting and promoting the Makinde-led administration in the state.

It was reported that members across the state, country and the world have embarked on voters education outreach

The OID State Coordinator, Dr Aaron Ogundiwin, said that voters education and civic engagement were bedrock of virile democracy.

According to Ogundiwin, the main purpose of the outreach is to promote awareness and build voters’ knowledge of democratic values that support peaceful, as well as significant participation in the elections.

He explained that Makinde’s Omituntun 1.0 achievements provided insight into the vision of Omituntun 2.0, which would move the state from accelerated to sustainable development.

Ogundiwin urged the electorate to know that as a community, their votes remained their voices, power and future.

He advised them to be a changemakers and get involved by voting for Makinde as well as other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates.

Ogundiwin, also urged ward leaders in the communities to educate their people on the beauty of democracy, adding that such would enable them to express themselves and have a voice in the communities.

Also, Retired SP. Iyiola Olaniyi, the Baale of Owobale, while welcoming the candidates and electorate, urged them to remember the voters after their electoral victories.

Olaniyi spoke on how the previous administration neglected the community of Owobale in spite of their electoral strength in the state.

“The major occupation of this community is farming and our people need accessible road network.

“We want the road that links Erunmu, Owobale, Egbeda and terminates at Ibadan-Ile-Ife Highway rehabilitated to ease transport of farm produce to the markets,” he said.

The Baale commended Makinde’s performance, especially the rehabilitation and equipment of Ward 3 Primary Healthcare Centre in Owobale, requesting for more intervention in other critical areas.

Olaniyi adopted Chief Oyebisi Ilaka, the Ladilu of the Oyo Kingdom and PDP Senatorial candidate for Oyo Central as a son of Owobale Community and endorsed the governor for a second term.

He pledged total support of the chiefs and the community to the candidature of Ilaka and other PDP candidates in the area.

Responding, Ilaka appreciated the organisers for making the people know what was right to do at the right time.

He accepted the sonship of Owobale from the Baale, promising to be available for the community anytime and ensure others follow suit.

Our correspondent reports that the programme enlightened eligible voters on how to exercise their voting rights and discharge their duties without any form of monetary inducement or molestation.

The well-informed electorate were more politically engaged, showing enthusiasm to vote and hold their representatives accountable by active participation in the democratic processes.

Present at the event were Chief Benedict Akika; Mrs Yemisi Ologunja; Mr Adesina Ojo and OID Youth Ambassadors, Qudus Olayiwola Omoola; Samuel Olaseinde; Oluwasogo Akinpelu and Damilare Ogundibo, among others.