Dr. Bayonle Ademola Encourages Active Participation Of Youth In The Voting Process, Campaigns For PVC Registration | GOVERNMEND
Seyi Oyetunbi reported:
The young Nigerian medical doctor living in the United States, Dr. Ademola Bayonle, Chairman of DAB Foundation is encouraging the Nigerian youths, particularly those from Osun state to participate actively in the voting process to have a higher chances of re-designing the existing pattern of leadership. The medical doctor who seemed not to be comfortable with the obvious fact that the youths are not taking their rightful position in nation-building is calling out youths to vote and be voted for in the coming election.
Bayonle Ademola organised a campaign through his charitable foundation for the registration and collection of permanent voter’s card for the youths whose participation in politics is infinitesimal and largely inefficacious. He described voting process as an activity that does not just determine leadership but one that our existence lies upon.
While speaking during one of his foundation live chat with the youths on Instagram, he corrected the notion held by many youths who appeared uncertained if vote does count. Dr. Bayonle stated that “people show up during electioneering, traditionally at the polling centres to distribute money of course to buy votes. Therefore, why would you think your votes do not matter!”
“How many times have you as young citizens of this great nation witnessed snatching of ballot boxes, arson at polling centres, burning of INEC offices and lots more?”
“If these business oriented politicians go this length to influence voting, it shows clearly that voting still remains a means to be bestowed legitimacy in a democracy; and Nigeria is not an exception.”
The chairman of DAB foundation maintained that we can change this country and vote in credible leaders only if we can beat-down parochialism and be objective in choosing who our leaders are.
He further noted that the youths need to rise up, organise themselves, pick up their civic responsibilities and stay patriotic regardless of what the challenges are currently.
Source: GOVERNMEND
