As it continues its preparation towards a successful and inclusive election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced a capacity building for civil society organizations, faith-based organizations and persons living with disabilities.
The 2-day capacity building which started in Osogbo on the Friday, 10th of June, had in attendance members of the CSO and PWDs in the State.
The workshop was declared open by the residence electoral commissioner (REC), Prof. Abdulganiy Raji appraised the roles of the CSOs and other stakeholders in the conduct of credible elections.
In his welcome address Prof Raji, said the patriotic roles that various community based organizations, faith based organizations have been playing in electoral processes can not be overemphasized.
He said “In the course of our preparations for the Osun 2022 governorship election, we have had series of engagements with various communities and we have been assured of their maximum cooperation towards successful conduct of the election.”
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He stated that the commission will be a responsible and responsive agency will play its role in ensuring that election in osun will be free,fair and credible and he stated the need for voters education, participation, and inclusiveness of civil society organizations, faith based organizations and people with disabilities in the state.
He therefore urged the voters to remain neutral,nonpartisan and shun all forms of temptations from overzealous politicians and ensure that all actions are strictly based on public interest.
He reassured that INEC will ensure that all votes count in the forthcoming election, adding the process will be transparent and credible.
In his presentation, the Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Mr Bukola Idow emphasized the need for participants to actively get involved in the forthcoming election and the rating which Osun upcoming election has gotten worldwide.
He charged the CSOs, FBOs and PWDs for their cooperation with the election umpire for a credible and acceptable polls.
The Chairman National Association Of Persons With Disabilities In Osun state Mr Steven Oluwafemi expressed his joy over the seminar, stating that it will bridge the gap between the PWDs and the society.
Oluwafemi thanked “INEC REC and everyone who deemed it to recognize the people with special needs in the forthcoming election.
Also speaking with the InsightMedia, Mrs Abosede Adeniji, who represented Brighter Future Initiative, applauded the organizer ( INEC) for bringing election sensitisation to the grassroots as they will go back to their communities and encourage others on the need to vote.
Osun State governorship election is slated for July 19, 2022.
