NAWOJ Sensitizes Women on Voter Education
As the Ondo State gubernatorial election approaches on November 16, 2024, the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) took to the streets of Ayede Ogbese to raise voter awareness among women and the community.
The rally, held on Tuesday, focused on educating women about their voting rights and the critical need to avoid vote-buying.
The Ondo State NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Tola Gbadamosi, emphasized the importance of voting independently.
Gbadamosi stated, “We are here in Ayede Ogbese to sensitize our women on voter registration and education to ensure that on Nov. 16, they cast their votes freely and reject the influence of money in the electoral process.”
Addressing the crowd, Gbadamosi mentioned that the association has distributed handbills and voter educational materials to enhance community knowledge.
She expressed her appreciation to HRH Princess (Dr.) Olufunto Oluyede, Regent of Ayede Ogbese, for her support of the campaign, to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ondo State chapter, and to Mrs. Lola Adekanye of the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), who contributed educational materials.
The B-Zone National Vice President of the association, Mrs. Adeola Adekunle, urged women not to lose faith in the democratic process, despite the current economic climate.
“When we go to the field, we see women weary and tired of voting because they feel disillusioned by their suffering,” she said.
“But we are here to remind them that voting is their right and that accepting money for votes is selling out the next four years of their lives.”
The Women Leader of Ayede Ogbese, Mrs. Mercy Ogunmola, praised NAWOJ for the sensitization effort and encouraged women to participate actively on election day.
The Minister of Finance in Ayede Ogbese, Aladeokin Olatunji, also applauded the initiative.
“We don’t want our people to sell their votes,” he said. “We want them to vote based on their true preferences.”
Prince Olakunle Oluyede, representing the Lisa of Ayede Ogbese, echoed the call to resist vote-buying.
Mrs. Olubukola Aduwo of NTA, who joined the rally, highlighted the responsibility of journalists in promoting voter education.
“This initiative is not politically sponsored,” Aduwo stated. “As journalists, it’s our duty to inform the public about these issues.”
Mrs. Sunmola Olowookere, Features Editor at The Hope newspaper, urged citizens to end political apathy. “If we continue to complain but refuse to act, nothing will change,” she said.
“Voting is the only avenue for change in government. Let us all come out and vote.”
The rally is part of NAWOJ’s broader efforts to encourage informed and independent voting across Ondo State as election day approaches.
