LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots development by collaborating with the Lagos State Baales Forum to promote civic awareness, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration, community development, and security across the state.
The partnership was reinforced at the official flag-off of the Forum’s divisional civic awareness and PVC sensitisation campaign in the Ikorodu Division, tagged “Operation Show Your PVC.” The grassroots initiative aims to encourage eligible residents to register for, collect, and safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards while promoting active participation in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders’ meeting attracted prominent government officials, traditional leaders, and political stakeholders who underscored the importance of civic participation, grassroots mobilisation, and sustainable community 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, Engr. Dr. Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimoh urged Lagos residents, particularly youths and first-time voters, to take advantage of the ongoing PVC registration exercise.
He stressed that every eligible citizen has a responsibility to participate in the electoral process, describing the Permanent Voter Card as a powerful instrument for shaping the future of communities, Lagos State, and Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Leader in Ikorodu Division, former Lagos State Commissioner, Asipa Kaoli Olatunji Olusanya, commended the Baales Forum for its unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also expressed support for Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, describing him as a capable leader who can sustain and expand Lagos State’s developmental strides.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Adeniyi Oluwatoyin, Director of the Community Development Department in the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, highlighted the state’s commitment to grassroots engagement through Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.
She noted that the administration continues to involve traditional institutions, community leaders, youths, and women in driving inclusive development across Lagos. Mrs. Adeniyi also praised the Convener of the Lagos State Baales Forum, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, for strengthening collaboration between government and communities, while commending traditional rulers for fostering unity under the Forum.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Lagos State Baales Forum and Oba-elect of the 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.
Convener of the Forum, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, explained that “Operation Show Your PVC” is built on four strategic pillars: voter education, political mobilisation, continuity of progressive governance, and grassroots security.
According to him, the campaign seeks to educate residents on the importance of obtaining and safeguarding their PVCs, mobilise support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and the continued leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, endorse Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred candidate to sustain the Greater Lagos developmental vision, and leverage the extensive network of traditional community heads to strengthen security, encourage civic participation, and promote inclusive governance.
The initiative will be replicated across the remaining divisions of Lagos State as part of a coordinated effort to deepen civic engagement, strengthen democratic participation, and enhance collaboration between government and traditional institutions in advancing sustainable grassroots development.
