As the countdown to the 2024 Ondo State governorship election intensifies, the non-profit group PROMAD Infotech Foundation is redoubling its efforts to boost citizen participation and address declining electoral engagement.
Speaking at a press conference in Akure, Mr Olabanjo Ayenakin, a member of PROMAD’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the significance of the upcoming election on 16 November, framing it as a pivotal moment for the future leadership and development of Ondo State.
Ayenakin outlined PROMAD’s mission, which leverages data-driven strategies and civic technology to empower grassroots citizens and ensure their voices are heard in governance.
With generous support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, PROMAD has launched the Election Analytics Project (EAP) alongside its Civic Matters initiative.
These programmes focus on voter education and mobilisation through a mix of traditional and digital platforms. “Our radio programme on Glow 99.1 FM has proven instrumental in reaching middle-aged and elderly voters, who make up 64.59% of Ondo’s electorate,” Ayenakin stated.
Complementing the radio outreach, PROMAD’s digital strategy targets the 35.41% youth voter demographic, enhancing civic engagement across Ondo State.
Despite a surge in voter registration—from 1.6 million in 2012 to over 2 million in 2024—PROMAD’s research reveals a concerning trend: an increase in registrations has not translated into higher voter turnout.
With Ondo’s voter turnout declining in recent electoral cycles, Ayenakin called for increased citizen involvement, particularly in six critical local government areas, including Akure South, Ondo West, and Ilaje, where significant voter influence is anticipated.
Ayenakin also highlighted broader socioeconomic issues affecting voters, citing a staggering food inflation rate of 37.2% and a youth unemployment rate exceeding the national average.
He pointed to the alarming statistic of 240,000 out-of-school children, urging citizens to use their votes to demand solutions to these pressing challenges.
“The people of Ondo must wield their electoral power to confront these issues and seek accountability from their leaders,” he asserted.
In examining the state’s investment in essential sectors, Ayenakin noted that over the past five years, the Ondo State Government allocated a notable N223.97 billion towards education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.
He stressed that this election offers voters a critical opportunity to assess these investments and advocate for enhanced accountability and sustainable development.
With 17 political parties vying for control, Ayenakin stressed that every candidate must commit to a credible electoral process, urging active voter participation to ensure that Ondo’s leadership is not determined by a select few.
He appealed to civil society organisations, the media, and political parties to utilise PROMAD’s research findings to further educate the electorate, underscoring the necessity of collective action in driving voter turnout.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the founder and executive director of PROMAD Infotech Foundation, Mr Daisi Omokungbe, explained the foundation’s objectives.
Omokungbe, represented by Emmanuel Sani, stated that the foundation has focused on encouraging voter participation in elections, enabling citizens to take control of their future during the polls.
In a related effort, Emmanuel Sani, representing PROMAD Foundation, has also urged young Nigerians to take a proactive stance in governance by voting in the upcoming Ondo governorship election.
Sani highlighted the crucial role of youth engagement, insisting that governance should not be the purview of a minority but should involve active participation from all citizens to foster impactful policies.
Sani detailed the foundation’s initiatives, which include training over 300 young people in Abuja and Nasarawa on how to effectively monitor government projects in their communities, thereby cultivating a more informed and engaged youth demographic.
Sani also identified a significant barrier to meaningful youth engagement: a pervasive lack of political awareness. To combat this, PROMAD Foundation has developed various resources, including a comprehensive research document unveiled at the event, designed to boost awareness and elevate voter turnout among young people.
Through these concerted efforts, the foundation aims to galvanise youth participation in the electoral process on 16 November, ensuring that elected leaders reflect the aspirations and needs of the populace. As the election approaches, PROMAD’s initiatives signal a collective call for Ondo State citizens to decisively exercise their civic rights and responsibilities, paving the way for a future characterised by active engagement and accountability.
Also speaking, the NSCDC State Commandant, Joshua Oluyemi Ibiloye, appreciated the foundation for its advocacy, noting that elections can only be effectively evaluated through data.
Ibiloye, represented by Deputy Commandant of the Corps, Yusufu Odunayo, stated that NSCDC is ready to partner with the foundation to foster a free and fair election in the state.
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