Protocols.
It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I address this gathering today on behalf of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Osun State Chapter.
At the outset, I wish to sincerely appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Office, for organizing this timely and important engagement themed, "Promoting Positive Narratives for Non-Violence and Active Youth Participation in the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election."
As we gradually approach another critical electoral cycle in our dear state, this engagement could not have come at a better time. Elections are fundamental to democracy, and the role of young people in strengthening democratic institutions cannot be overemphasized. Youths constitute a significant percentage of the voting population and remain key stakeholders in determining the future direction of our state and nation.
However, beyond participating as voters, we must recognize our responsibility as ambassadors of peace, advocates of truth, and defenders of democratic values. The future we desire cannot be built on violence, hate speech, misinformation, political intolerance, electoral manipulation, or vote trading. Rather, it must be built on active citizenship, informed participation, constructive engagement, and unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, strongly believes that the youth demographic should be seen as a force for development, innovation, and peacebuilding. We therefore urge all young people across Osun State to reject every form of political violence and resist attempts by desperate political actors to use them as instruments of chaos, disruption, vote buying, vote selling, or electoral misconduct.
In line with our commitment to promoting credible elections and responsible citizenship, the NYCN Osun State Chapter has already commenced strategic preparations across the state. Through our coordinators in all the 30 Local Government Areas, the Area Office, and the Modakeke Area Office, we have initiated plans for a massive voter education and civic engagement campaign aimed at enlightening young people and citizens on their electoral responsibilities.
As part of these efforts, we shall be embarking on extensive campaigns against electoral violence, vote buying, and vote selling. We believe that the sanctity of the ballot must be protected and that every vote must reflect the genuine choice of the people.
I am pleased to inform this gathering that the first phase of our statewide voter education and awareness campaign will commence in the middle of June 2026. Thereafter, beginning from the first week of July 2026, we shall launch a comprehensive market-to-market, village-to-village, and community-to-community sensitization campaign across Osun State. This initiative is designed to take electoral education directly to the grassroots, ensuring that no community is left behind in the democratic process.
Furthermore, during the recently concluded Youth in Governance Conference organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, thousands of young people were sensitized on their roles in democratic governance, peaceful electoral participation, and responsible citizenship. The conference served as a strategic platform to educate youths on the dangers of electoral violence and the need to actively participate in shaping the future of our state through peaceful democratic means.
On this note, I wish to specially appreciate INEC for its presence and support during the conference. Your participation added immense value to the discussions and reinforced the confidence of young people in the electoral process. We look forward to strengthening this partnership as we continue to mobilize and educate youths ahead of the 2026 Governorship Election.
Our message to Osun youths remains clear: your vote is your voice, your conscience is your guide, and your future is your responsibility. Let us engage in issue-based political discussions, promote voter education within our communities, and participate actively in all lawful democratic processes.
As an organization committed to youth development and democratic advancement, NYCN Osun State remains ready to collaborate with INEC, security agencies, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, religious bodies, political parties, and all relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful elections and deepen democratic participation among young people.
I also wish to commend INEC for its continuous efforts in voter education, electoral reforms, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement. Such initiatives contribute significantly to building public trust in the electoral process and empowering citizens with the knowledge required to make informed decisions.
As we prepare for the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, let us all commit ourselves to peace before, during, and after the election. Let us choose dialogue over violence, facts over propaganda, unity over division, and progress over conflict.
Together, we can build an electoral environment where every eligible citizen can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation, inducement, or violence.
On behalf of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, I reaffirm our commitment to mobilizing, educating, and sensitizing youths across the state towards responsible participation, peaceful conduct, and the protection of democratic values throughout the electoral process.
Thank you for this opportunity to share these thoughts.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless Osun State.
God bless the Nigerian Youth.
Akinbode Olakolupo Oluwasegun
Chairman
National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)
Osun State Chapter