The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Rivers State has organised a roundtable discussion and sensitisation programme on enhancing citizens’ participation in the local government elections scheduled for August 30, 2025.
Edward Banigo, Rivers State Director of NOA, said the success of any election depends on a well-informed and sufficiently mobilised citizenry.
He noted that NOA in Rivers State is at the forefront of awareness creation and social mobilisation to sensitise and galvanise the people to actively participate in the forthcoming polls.
*“You will agree with me that this responsibility is enormous and requires the support and cooperation of all to accomplish.
“This meeting provides an opportunity for us all to share ideas on how to ensure credible, free, fair and peaceful elections come 30 August 2025,”* he said.
Banigo urged residents of the state to shun all forms of violence and exercise their civic rights to ensure democratic governance is restored at the local level.
Olubenga Adepoju, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, represented by Okoro Ikechukwu, Assistant Commissioner of Police, assured citizens of the command’s readiness to maintain law and order before, during and after the election.
Sunday Ujoh, Chief Route Commander and representative of the Rivers State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), affirmed the corps’ readiness to support efforts towards a hitch-free poll.
The Rivers State Council of the Trade Union Congress, represented by Joe Elijah, urged market women, youths and lovers of democracy to participate fully by turning out en masse to vote.
The meeting, attended by representatives from civil society groups, security agencies and the media, highlighted the importance of citizens’ awareness and its role in driving massive participation in elections.
(NAN)