Lagos, community leaders partner to boost PVC registration,

Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots development through a partnership with the Lagos State Baales Forum to promote Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration, civic participation, community development, and security across the state.

The collaboration was unveiled at the official launch of the Forum’s divisional civic awareness and PVC sensitisation campaign in the Ikorodu Division, tagged “Operation Show Your PVC.”

The initiative is designed to encourage eligible residents to register for, collect, and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and political stakeholders, who stressed the importance of civic participation, grassroots mobilisation, and sustainable community development.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director-General of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Independent Campaign Group (PBAT-KOH ICG), Hon. Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, Dr Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimoh urged residents, particularly youths and first-time voters, to participate in the ongoing PVC registration exercise.

He described the Permanent Voter Card as a vital instrument for shaping the future of communities, Lagos State, and the nation, stressing that every eligible citizen has a responsibility to participate in the democratic process.

Speaking on behalf of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) leader in the Ikorodu Division, former Lagos State Commissioner Asipa Kaoli Olatunji Olusanya commended the Lagos State Baales Forum for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Olusanya also expressed support for Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, describing him as a capable leader with the capacity to sustain and build on Lagos State’s developmental achievements.

Representing the Lagos State Government, the Director of the Community Development Department in the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Adeniyi Oluwatoyin, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to grassroots engagement through its T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

She noted that the government continues to work closely with traditional institutions, community leaders, youths, and women to promote inclusive development across the state.

Oluwatoyin commended the Convener of the Lagos State Baales Forum, Dr Seyi Bamigbade, for strengthening collaboration between the government and communities, while also praising traditional rulers for fostering unity and peaceful coexistence.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Baales Forum and Oba-elect of Ijeododo Kingdom, High Chief Abu Jelili Ododo, reaffirmed the importance of Baales in promoting peace, security, community cohesion, and good governance at the grassroots.

In his remarks, the Forum’s Convener, Dr Bamigbade, explained that “Operation Show Your PVC” is anchored on four key pillars: voter education, political mobilisation, continuity of progressive governance, and grassroots security.

According to him, the campaign seeks to educate residents on the importance of obtaining and safeguarding their PVCs, mobilise support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, strengthen grassroots participation in governance, and leverage the network of traditional community heads to enhance security and community development.

He added that the sensitisation campaign would be extended to the remaining divisions of Lagos State as part of efforts to deepen civic engagement, strengthen democratic participation, and reinforce collaboration between government and traditional institutions for sustainable grassroots development.