…bags Outstanding Public Service and Community Relations Award
The Director General, Bureau of Community Communication, Mary Omotosho has described Ekiti as home to a politically conscious and responsible generation of young people.
According to her, consistent engagement of young people by the administration of Biodun Oyebanji has fostered a sense of belonging and strengthened confidence in democratic governance.
She stated this over the weekend in Ado-Ekiti during a Youth Dialogue themed: ‘Elections Without Violence: The Responsibility of Ekiti Youths’ organised by the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ekiti State Assembly.
Addressing concerns over vote buying, Omotosho argued that inducement often thrives where citizens feel disconnected from governance, stressing said many youths have openly endorsed the governor even before party primaries without demanding incentives, which according to her reduces the likelihood of monetary inducement.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Convener and Speaker of the Ekiti Assembly, Ayomide Oluwatosin called on the youths across the state to desist from vote-buying and be advocates for violence-free electoral processes ahead of the June 20 governorship election in the state.
Oluwatosin explained that elections should be seen as a civic responsibility rather than a battlefield, calling on youths to be ambassadors of peace rather than purveyors and tools of thuggery.
He said the initiative was designed to educate and properly guide young people on their roles in sustaining democracy, without resorting to violence ballot snatching and other forms of malpractice that can destroy the pillars of good governance.
In his keynote address, the Project Cordinator of Ekiti RAAMP, Sunday Adunmo, represented by his Press Office, O’seun Ogunsakin urged the youths to use their voices to foster a peaceful electoral process , saying democracy is not a spectator sports but a system that requested active participation, responsibility and commitment to peace.
A Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State, Tope Ogunleye reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and development, describing his involvement as a call to service.
On vote buying, he observed that while the practice is not new in Nigeria, the forthcoming Ekiti election could mark a departure from the norm, saying inducement becomes unnecessary when voters genuinely believe in a candidate.
Another key highlight of the event were presentation of awards of excellence to trailblazers who have impacted greatly to humanity.
The DG, Bureau of Community Communications bagged the Outstanding Public Service and Community Relations Award in recognition of her compassionate leadership, effective communication at the grassroots, and remarkable impact in strengthening government community relations across Ekiti State.
Other Awardees included: Ekiti Commissioner for Youths, Adesola Gold Adedayo, DG, SSA to Ondo Governor on Signage and Advertisement, Yomi Oyekan, Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun LG, Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State, Tope Ogunleye, CEO of Dunamis World, Bimbo Erinfolami, CEO of CC Event, Constanchem Dada, CEO of Debo Autos, Gbadebo Makanjuola Bayefine and CEO of T-Sketch Studies, Alao Babatunde.