The Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship (BCOC) in Ekiti State, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, has urged residents to turn out in large numbers to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Mrs. Famuyiwa made the call during an appearance on EKTV’s Ejiire programme in Ado-Ekiti, stressing that the collection of voter’s card will begin on June 2nd 2026 and run for five days at the ward registration areas, thereafter at the Local Government Council areas for another three days. She therefore urged citizens to ensure they collect their cards within the approved period to enable them to vote in the election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
According to her, voting remains a civic right that citizens must actively exercise. She maintained that while her agency has continued to engage the public through various orientations on radio and television platforms, citizens also have the responsibility to come out and vote during elections.
Mrs Famuyiwa also appealed to young people to avoid violence, urging them not to be used as thugs before, during, or after the election. She further advised parents to monitor their children particularly those eligible to vote from age 18 and above noting that under-aged persons should not be exposed to election activities.
For residents who may prefer to stay indoors, she encouraged them to step out and participate in the electoral process rather than only monitoring election developments through radio and television.
Addressing the challenges of unemployment confronting young graduates, Mrs Famuyiwa advised youths especially those under 30 years seeking jobs to contact the Ministry of Youth Development, State Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti for application details and the link to the ongoing employment opportunities under the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).
She explained that the programme is a Federal Government initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative, she said, is designed to reduce unemployment by connecting talented Nigerian graduates with job placement opportunities in host organizations nationwide, while also strengthening essential workforce skills.
Mrs Famuyiwa said shortlisted applicants would undergo a computer-based test before consideration for employment, adding that beneficiaries would receive ₦150,000 upon securing placement.
She commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for investing in youth development and sporting activities, urging young people in Ekiti to fully take advantage of the opportunities available.
The BCOC DG also appealed to persons with disabilities (PDWDs) assuring them that they should not feel discouraged. She noted that the electoral process has been made more inclusive by INEC, including arrangements to make it easier for them to participate in voting during the gubernatorial election.
Earlier, Mrs. Famuyiwa called on Ekiti residents to pray for the state and the nation as the election approaches, expressing hope for greater progress and prosperity. She urged all citizens to remain peaceful and to participate actively in governance through the ballot.
