The Honorable Commissioner Youth & Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare, Friday, joined thousands of Edo Youths in “The Benin City Mass Rally” organized by a coalition of youth organizations to sensitize Edo people including youths, students, market women and men on the need to come out to register and vote.
This sensitization rally is happening just 2 weeks to the end of the voter registration exercise of INEC.
In his speech during the roadshow that saw participants walk in a long human and vehicular convoy from the National Youth Council of Nigeria secretariat on Akpakpava road to the King Square in Benin City where INEC officials were on hand to register people, Hon Chris Nehikhare, emphasized the importance of registration and voting. He said it was the responsibility of citizens, especially youths whose future will be determined by elected leaders. “By voting, youth, citizens are participating in the democratic process. Citizens vote for leaders to represent them and their ideas, and the leaders support the citizens’ interests.”
He highlighted some reasons why it is important to Register to Vote:
“It gives you a say on important issues that affect you – from roads and infrastructure to education and employment. ”
“Voting gives you a say on who represents you in the legislative and Executive Arms of government.”
“People across the world have died fighting for the right to vote and be part of a democracy. Even In the UK, one of the world’s most advanced democracies, in the early 20th century, people were killed during their struggles to get the vote for women.”
“Black people were not allowed to vote in South Africa until the end of apartheid in 1994.”
“Today, many people across the world are still denied the right to vote.”
“By voting you are showing your support for people who have had to fight hard for democracy. We cannot take it for granted!” He Concluded.
