The Ilese Development Council (IDC) on Saturday organized a Voters’ Education Summit aimed at encouraging greater civic engagement and political participation among residents of the town and its surrounding 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 active participation in the democratic process.
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, who was represented by Mr. Joseph Omotiloye, Head of Department (Operations) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasized the importance of voter registration as the foundation of democratic governance.
She urged all eligible Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), and participate actively in all elections.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ilese Development Council, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, described the ballot as one of the most powerful tools available to citizens for shaping the future of their communities and the nation.
Kalejaye urged residents to exercise their civic responsibilities by participating in elections, stressing that voting remains the most effective means of electing credible leaders and holding public office holders accountable for their actions.
He also warned against vote buying, describing the practice as a serious threat to democracy.
According to him, citizens must resist the temptation to exchange their votes for money or other material inducements, noting that such actions weaken the democratic process and undermine good governance.
“The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance,” Kalejaye said. “Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity, and their commitment to serve the people.”
Also speaking at the summit, the Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, who was represented by the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu Area Command, ACP Yusuf A. Wasiu, assured residents of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to providing adequate security before, during, and after elections.
The police representative urged citizens to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process and encouraged them not to allow fear or intimidation to prevent them from exercising their constitutional right to vote. He emphasized that the police remain professional, impartial, and fully prepared to protect voters, electoral officials, and election materials while maintaining law and order.
Participants at the summit were also educated on voter registration procedures, the importance of safeguarding their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and the need to reject electoral violence and other forms of malpractices.
The event was concluded with a renewed commitment by community leaders and participants to mobilize eligible residents across Ilese and neighbouring communities to register, collect their PVCs, reject vote buying, and contribute meaningfully to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through informed and responsible political participation.
