2027 ELECTIONS : NOA SEEKS EWEKORO LG PARTNERSHIP ON VOTER EDUCATION, PEACEFUL POLLS

 By Olopade Sakiru 

...Says Collective Action Key to Credible and Successful Elections

The Ogun State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs.  Aishat Bolanle Tiamiyu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Agency and Local Government Authorities to ensure a successful, peaceful, and credible 2027 General Election.

Mrs. Tiamiyu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa, at the Council Secretariat, Itori.

Speaking during the visit, the NOA Director stated that the Agency was engaging stakeholders across the state to assess the level of preparedness for the forthcoming presidential, governorship, National Assembly, House Of Representative and State Assembly elections.

According to her, voter education remains a critical component of the electoral process, stressing that many citizens are still unaware of the proper voting procedures, leading to a high number of invalid votes during elections.

“Many people do not know the nitty-gritty of proper voting. It is our responsibility to educate them on when, where and how to correctly cast their votes without voiding them,” she said.

Mrs. Tiamiyu noted that the success of elections largely depends on effective grassroots sensitization, adding that NOA remains the central agency responsible for mobilizing citizens and providing them with the necessary civic and voter education.

She emphasized the need for Nigerians to reject electoral violence, thuggery, vote rigging and other forms of malpractice capable of undermining the nation’s democratic process and stability.

The Director further urged all eligible voters, including the elderly and persons living with disabilities, to actively participate in the electoral process, while reminding citizens that the wearing of party insignia or display of party symbols at polling units on election day is prohibited by law.

Mrs. Tiamiyu also highlighted NOA’s broader civic enlightenment mandate, stressing that citizens must recognize and protect national symbols and assets, including the National Anthem, Constitution and Nigerian Passport.

As part of efforts to deepen grassroots engagement, she disclosed that the Agency has introduced a “Train-the-Trainers” programme designed to equip selected individuals with communication and mobilization skills. 

The trained participants are expected to further educate residents in their various communities using local languages.

She also called on citizens to be security conscious and vigilant, describing security as a collective responsibility.

“Security is everybody’s business. Citizens must remain alert and report suspicious activities within their communities,” she stated.

While acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead, Mrs. Tiamiyu stressed that NOA could not achieve its objectives alone and therefore appealed to Ewekoro Local Government and other relevant stakeholders to partner with the Agency in delivering effective voter and civic education across communities.

Responding on behalf of the Executive Chairman, the Vice Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Alhaja Abisola Nurat Aliyu, assured the Agency of the Council’s full support and commitment to the sensitization programme aimed at ensuring the success of the 2027 General Elections.

“You do not need to entertain any doubt. Ewekoro Local Government is ready to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency. Our Chairman is known for matching words with action, and you can be assured of our support,” she said.

Alhaja Aliyu described the Train-the-Trainers initiative as a commendable strategy that would help extend civic enlightenment campaigns to remote communities and grassroots residents.

On security, she assured the delegation that the Local Government takes security matters seriously, revealing that an all-inclusive security meeting had recently been held in compliance with the directive of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON.

In his remarks, the Acting Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Mr. Ige Samuel, underscored the importance of sustained voter education to reduce the incidence of invalid votes during elections.

He advised the Agency to seek the support of supervisory institutions, including the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Local Government Service Commission, to facilitate wider implementation of its programmes.

“I believe the Agency should engage the relevant supervisory authorities for the necessary directives and institutional support. Also, voter sensitization campaigns should already be gaining momentum across radio, television and other media platforms,” he said.

Mr. Ige reaffirmed Ewekoro Local Government’s readiness to collaborate with the Agency, noting that while the Council would provide the necessary support, the primary responsibility for the voter education exercise rests with the NOA.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of pocket booklets of the National Constitution and Anthem to the Management of Ewekoro Local Government by the Ogun State Director Of NOA , Mrs Aishat Bolanle Tiamiyu.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Wasiu Anisere; Supervisor for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Bello; Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Ige Samuel; Director of General Services and Administration, Mr. Afolabi Amusa; Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Odunfa Kehinde; Director of Information, Education and Sports, Mr. Olopade Sakiru; Acting Director of Finance and Supply, Mrs. Alaran Morufat; the Director Of Community and Social Development, Mrs. Adewuyi M.A , the Acting Director, Sanitarian Ayedun A. ,Acting Internal Auditor, Mr. Ojo Fatai; Administrative Officer, Mr. Adenopo Ibrahim;  representatives of Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and Works and Housing Departments, Mr. Ayinde Musthapa, Engr. Francis Adelugba, as well as members of the Information Unit.

Also present at the meeting were members of the National Orientation Agency delegation led by the Ogun State Director, Mrs.  Aishat Bolanle Tiamiyu. Other members of the delegation included the Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mrs. Nkechi Rotimi; Deputy Director, Community Outreach and Development (COD), Mrs. Toyin Oluwa; Deputy Director, Administration, Mrs. Bukola Ilori; Deputy Director, Special Duties and Local Government Operations, Mrs. Adebola Ogunbayo; Assistant Director, Community Safety, Awareness and Compliance (CSAC), Mrs. Selimot Osho; Assistant Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education (CVDE), Mrs. Philomena Olaiya; State Accountant, Mr. Abdullateef Mejigbedu; Internal Auditor, Mr. Olusegun Tabi-Agoro; and Community Mobilization Officer, Mr. Akinjide Giwa.