The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the IKID Foundation have taken a one-day sensitization campaign on the need to have a violence-free general election to the market.
The campaign, tagged: “Vote Right/Say No to Election Violence” was organised for traders at the Jabi Timber Market in the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday.
Dr Garba Abari, Director-General, NOA, said it was important for Nigerians to make sacrifices by coming out en masse to cast their votes on the days of the election.
Abari was represented by Mrs Adeola Adelaja, NOA Director of Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization.
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He said that aside from a violence-free election, the campaign also focused on the need to shun hate speech and fake news, and know how to thumbprint on ballot papers and the logos of the political parties.
“The message we are passing across to Nigerians is that they should go out and cast their votes.
“Our observation from previous elections shows voters’ apathy as a result of violence during the elections.
“The security agencies have assured us of their preparedness to ensure there is no violence on election day. So, people should feel free to come out and exercise their franchise.
“It is not enough to collect a permanent voter card and stay in the house. If you do not come out to vote, how can we get the Nigeria we all crave for?” Abari said.
The Executive Director, IKID Foundation, Dr Mer Best, said that the campaign was apt and important for Nigerians to understand the various voting procedures before the day of the election.
“Election is a key component in improving the livelihood of the downtrodden and we are here to educate people on how to vote on election day.
“We are partnering with NOA, INEC and Yiaga to sensitize and engage people on election procedures.
“We want their votes to count; we do not want any void votes, we want all votes to be valid and counted,” Best said.
The Chairman of Jabi Timber Market, Mr Sunday Okafor, appreciated the organizations for the sensitization.
“Before, I do not take elections seriously, but with this sensitization, I will come out to vote for a new Nigeria,” he said.
