The 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 ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The collaboration was unveiled during 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 aimed at encouraging eligible residents to register for, collect and safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards, while promoting active participation in the democratic process. The campaign comes as political stakeholders intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, with increased emphasis on voter registration and civic engagement across the country.
The event attracted government officials, traditional leaders and political stakeholders, who underscored the importance of civic responsibility, community mobilisation and sustainable grassroots 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 country, 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 the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, describing him as a capable leader with the capacity to sustain and build upon the developmental achievements recorded in the state.
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 collaborate closely with traditional institutions, community leaders, youths and women to promote inclusive development across Lagos State.
Oluwatoyin commended the Convener of the Lagos State Baales Forum, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, for strengthening collaboration between government and local communities, while also praising traditional rulers for promoting peace, unity and harmonious coexistence.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Baales Forum and Oba-elect of Ijeododo Kingdom, High Chief Abu Jelili Ododo, reaffirmed the critical role 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 strategic pillars: voter education, political mobilisation, continuity of progressive governance and grassroots security.
According to him, the campaign is designed to educate residents on the importance of obtaining and protecting their Permanent Voter Cards, mobilise support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, deepen grassroots participation in governance and leverage the network of traditional community heads to strengthen 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 in advancing sustainable grassroots development.
