EU-Backed Project Mobilizes Ekiti Youths to End Voter Apathy, Deepen Democracy  

By Rotimi Aleshinloye

Youth leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners in Ekiti State are ramping up efforts to boost youth participation in governance ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

The push came through a capacity-building workshop on the Digital Training Package (DTP), a step-down training under the WYDE Civic Engagement project. The project is led by WYDE Civic Engagement and implemented by Democracy Reporting International (DRI) with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), powered by the European Union and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD). In Ekiti, it is driven by three partners: GoldHeart Foundation, Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion (GRIP), and Capstone Mission.

Hosted by GoldHeart Foundation, GRIP, and Capstone Mission with support from CJID, the workshop brought together youth representatives, advocates, and community leaders to discuss young people’s role in governance. Opening remarks were delivered by Miss Moyinoluwa Ogundowole and Mr. Lawrence Riches.

Youth advocate, Tolulope Akinwole Solomon AshiriOluwa urged young people to move “beyond online criticism” into active democratic participation. “Democracy thrives when citizens vote and contest for office,” he said, calling on eligible youths without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to register and collect them.

Joludare Oluwaseun, Secretary of JONAPWD Ekiti State Chapter, described the workshop as an inclusive platform that amplifies the voices of persons with disabilities in governance. She charged participants to take lessons back to their communities and mobilize others to vote.

Climate advocate, ThankGod Ochai challenged the belief that “votes do not count,” urging massive turnout on election day to strengthen democracy.

Mr. Lawrence Riches, Executive Director of Inspirational Care and Development Centre and Convener of Beta Government Initiative, noted that voter apathy is often rooted in distrust.

He stressed that active participation remains the most effective path to better governance and reminded first-time voters that voting is a civic duty, not a favour to politicians.

Speaking from a gender perspective, Sabinbola Fatime of GRIP called on women across Ekiti to actively engage in the electoral process. “Women are key stakeholders in democracy and should not be left behind in deciding the future of the state,” she said.

Participants jointly called for peaceful, free, and fair elections, urging security agencies to remain professional and ensure a violence-free process. The programme closed with renewed commitments to mobilize more young people, women, and persons with disabilities to engage in governance and exercise their voting rights.

Project Note: Led by WYDE Civic Engagement. Implemented by Democracy Reporting International (DRI) with Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID). Powered by the European Union & European Partnership for Democracy (EPD). Ekiti implementing partners: GoldHeart Foundation, GRIP, and Capstone Mission.