Osun 2018: Group Advocates Participation Of Marginalized Groups In Osun Election

Osun 2018: Group Advocates Participation Of Marginalized Groups In Osun Election

National Democratic Institute has made case for increased participation in electoral processes by marginalized groups in Nigeria to ensure equal participation of all and sundry.

The Programme Officer of the  Institute, Annabel Ugwoke,  in Osogbo at a Voters Education and campaign against Violence Against Women in Election  hosted by Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI) in partnership with United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), Department for International Development (DFID) and UKaid stated that the training will give women and other citizens an informed voice to help them exercise their voting rights unhindered.

She however stated that though citizens, especially marginalized groups often lack basic knowledge about the electoral process, or that they are hindered by electoral violence, yet women focused groups in Osun will be trained on campaign strategies, mobilization methodologies and advocacy to increase women’s’ power
to engage the electoral process.

Ugwoke affirmed that Electoral Empowerment of Civil Society which originated after 2011 election will enhance role of citizens in promoting credible elections and reducing potential violence as well as consistently
engage the interest of key stakeholders such as INEC, the Nigerian Police, and the Media so as to keep them focused on the project.

In his remark as host, the Chief Executive Officer, Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI), Mr. Aremu Stephen Akinyele stated that the humanitarian
organization is set up to improve and restore hope for marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Seemingly noted that the NGO has embarked on advocacy visit to Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC), National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other relevant agencies for synergy towards a successful 2018 Osun election.

Participants at the ‘Voters Education’ (VE), ‘Stop Violence Against Women in Election’ (VAWIE), ‘Go Out To Vote; (GOTV) campaign training are representatives of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nigeria Council of women Society (NWCS), political party women leaders, Market Women leaders, Federation of Women Lawyers, Women in politics, Persons with Disability, Federation Of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria
(FOMWAN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun Widows Association among others.