Youths march in Akure against election violence

Youths under the aegis of Activista, a youth arm of Action Aid, UK, marched through the streets of Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday to sensitise voters against the vice of electoral violence ahead of the coming general elections.

Armed with flyers and car stickers with election sensitisation messages, the youths warned of the grave consequences of violence during the elections.

As they moved along the streets from Oluwatuyi to Oja Oba, they entered into shops, encouraging voters to turn out for the elections, but with peaceful disposition.

Coordinator of the Akure cell of the organisation, Mr. Oluwagbemiga Olawale, said any form of violence would negatively affect the youth of Nigeria during and after the elections.

He said, “We are trying to sensitise the youth not to be involved in violence during the elections. We must know that such acts will affect our future. If they vote wisely, they are voting for the future of Nigerian.

“We are the ones at the receiving end of any event of crisis. We should not use our own hands to terminate our future. That is the message we have for our youths and all voters.”

Olawale also noted that the campaign was also to urge voters to turn out in large numbers to vote, adding that “their vote is the voice that speaks louder than violence.”

According to him, Activista is working to mobilise five million Nigerian youths into a mass movement to actualise its motto, which is ‘Up with Justice, Down with Hunger.’

He added that Nigerian youths must develop the capacity to determine their future and strive to make the country a better place to live.

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About Unknown

Deji Sadiq, a.k.a DEJI OF LAGOS is a LASU trained Economist turned freelance journalist, a Blogger, an information strategist, a public affairs analyst and a committed activist with a passion for equal opportunities.