25^nd March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the continuous voters’ registration exercise. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level.  The meeting was held at the Ikare ward with youth representatives from the ward.

The youth were made to realize that majority of them lack the spirit of participation in the electoral process most especially when it comes to PVC registration, collection, and voting. The community journalist made them realize that for effective leadership the youth must be actively involved in the electoral process. The youth lamented the high rate of unemployment and social support as the reason for being unmotivated in the electoral process. One of the ladies outcried the high level of prostitution among ladies due to unemployment, she said they have lost faith in the political leaders. The youth were made to understand that collectively we can make a change through our active participation in governance most especially at the grassroots. They were also informed about the INEC Continuous Voters Registration which has been brought to the ward level to promote easy access and maximum participation by our people at the grassroots level.

In conclusion, the youths in attendance resolved to register and get their PVC while they were informed of the dangers of vote-buying and involvement in electoral violence as these could mare their future. The youth applauded the initiative of EiE and pledge to always be ready to volunteer in their future programs in Akoko-North-East L.G.A.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• High rate of unemployment
• Poor road network
• Increase in crime rate
• Bad leadership system.

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.
• The youth are eager to participate in the electoral process by registering for PVC and making sure they vote when it is election time.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in creating lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.        

CITIZEN JOURNALIST: ADAMS SURAJUDEEN ABIODUN