By Peace Udugba
The Ilese Development Council (IDC) has organized a Voter Education Summit aimed at encouraging greater civic engagement and increasing political participation among residents of Ilese and its neighbouring communities.
The summit, themed “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation,” brought together community leaders, electoral officials, security agencies, youth groups, women, and other stakeholders to promote voter registration and strengthen democratic participation.
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, represented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Head of Operations, Mr. Joseph Omotiloye, described voter registration as the bedrock of democratic governance. She urged all eligible Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and participate actively in elections.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, described the ballot as one of the most powerful tools citizens possess to shape the future of their communities and the nation.
He encouraged residents to exercise their civic responsibility by participating in elections, stressing that voting remains the most effective means of electing credible leaders and holding public office holders accountable.
Kalejaye also cautioned against vote buying, describing the practice as a major threat to democracy. He urged citizens to resist exchanging their votes for money or material inducements, warning that such actions undermine good governance and weaken the democratic process.
“The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance,” he said. “Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity, and their commitment to serving the people.
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Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, represented by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu Area Command, ACP Yusuf A. Wasiu, assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after elections.
He urged citizens to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process and not allow fear or intimidation to discourage them from exercising their constitutional right to vote. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to remaining professional, impartial, and fully prepared to protect voters, electoral officials, and election materials while maintaining law and order.
Participants were also educated on voter registration procedures, the importance of safeguarding their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and the need to reject electoral violence, vote buying, and other forms of electoral malpractice.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment by community leaders and participants to mobilize eligible residents across Ilese and surrounding communities to register, collect their PVCs, reject vote buying, and contribute meaningfully to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through informed and responsible political participation.
