Ogun to take voter’s education to hinterland, grassroots
By Uthman Salami
The Chairman, Ogun State independent Electoral Commision (OGSIEC), Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, has revealed the commission’s plans to take voter’s education to hinterlands and remotest villages across the length and breadth of the State.
Osibodu stated this at a media parley organised by the commission during the weekend in the state capital of Ogun state.
The OGSIEC boss disclosed that the Commission has begun to intensify efforts in ensuring that voter’s education is extended to the hinterlands as well as grassroot.
The Osibodu said the Commision would engage the use of posters and jingles which would be rendered in English, Yoruba as well as Egun Languages.
He further noted that Paramount rulers and other traditional rulers acrooss the state had been consulted to help propagate the gospel of free, fair and credible elections.
While commending the role of media during elections, Osibodu reiterated the media as a very crucial stakeholder in engendering free, fair and credible elections.
Osibodu also noted that it is imperative to recognize the immense contributions of the media in sensitizing the people, noting that without media, the people would not be aware of the activities of the Commission.
In his words, “I want you to know that we hold you in high esteem. We recognize you as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. Your roles in elections cannot be overemphasized. Without the Media, the people will not know that election is holding on 24th of July, let alone be aware of our preparations and the need to know what is expected of them on the day of the elections.
“With your support and ardent backing, we know the people of Ogun State will further hear us loud and clear. We are rest assured that the people trust you to give them the news as it is.”
Meanwhile, the General Manager, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Mrs. Toyin Sogbesan, Secretary, State Media Analysis Team, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka as well as Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalist, NUJ, Ogun State Council, Mr. Soji Amosun, appreciated the Commission for its robust media engagements.
They, however, called for better security for journalists during the elections to enable them carry out their constitutional functions unhindered.
The event was attended by top management of OGSIEC, media personalities from the electronic and print media, members Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) as well as bloggers across the country.
