Paragraph 1: Empowering Constituents through Voter Registration
Mrs. Lami Ogenyi, the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, has embarked on a significant initiative to empower her constituents by facilitating their participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Recognizing the pivotal role of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in exercising one’s democratic right, Mrs. Ogenyi has established committees across all ten council wards within her constituency. These committees are tasked with mobilizing eligible voters who have not yet registered to obtain their PVCs. This proactive approach underscores her commitment to ensuring that her constituents have the necessary tools to actively participate in the electoral process.
Paragraph 2: Mobilization Strategies for Comprehensive Voter Participation
Mrs. Ogenyi’s mobilization efforts are multi-pronged and strategically designed to reach every eligible voter within her constituency. Beyond the establishment of ward-level committees, she has implemented practical measures to facilitate the registration process. This includes providing transportation assistance in the form of buses for each ward, enabling voters to easily access registration centers. Furthermore, recognizing the critical role of campaign coordinators in grassroots outreach, Mrs. Ogenyi has provided them with motorcycles to enhance their mobility and ensure that their efforts reach even the most remote areas within the constituency. This comprehensive approach demonstrates a deep understanding of the logistical challenges that can hinder voter registration, particularly in rural communities.
Paragraph 3: Motivating Voter Participation through Future Elections
The Deputy Speaker’s mobilization drive is not merely focused on facilitating the logistical aspects of voter registration; it is also deeply rooted in motivating her constituents to exercise their franchise. She explicitly links the importance of obtaining a PVC to their ability to vote for key political figures in future elections, including President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and herself. This direct connection between voter registration and future electoral choices serves as a powerful incentive for constituents to participate actively in the CVR. It underscores the importance of their voices being heard through the ballot box and reinforces the idea that their vote can shape the future of their leadership.
Paragraph 4: Fostering Collaborative Leadership within the State Assembly
Beyond her constituency-focused initiatives, Mrs. Ogenyi also highlighted the positive changes within the Benue State House of Assembly. She lauded the new Speaker, Mr. Alfred Emberga, emphasizing his transparency and inclusive leadership style. She described him as a gender-friendly leader who prioritizes collaboration and ensures that all lawmakers are involved in Assembly matters. This emphasis on inclusivity and open communication signals a positive shift in the Assembly’s dynamics, fostering a more conducive environment for effective governance.
Paragraph 5: National Voter Registration Trends and Statistics
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported significant progress in the nationwide CVR exercise. As of August 2025, over 2.5 million Nigerians had completed their online voter pre-registration. This figure reflects a growing engagement with the electoral process and demonstrates the effectiveness of INEC’s efforts to modernize and streamline the registration system. Notably, states like Osun and Lagos have emerged as leaders in pre-registrations, indicating a high level of voter enthusiasm in those regions. Kogi State also showed considerable participation, further demonstrating the nationwide reach of the CVR exercise.
Paragraph 6: The Long-Term Vision for Continuous Voter Registration
The CVR exercise, initiated on August 18, 2025, is scheduled to continue until August 30, 2026. This extended timeframe provides ample opportunity for eligible Nigerians to register and obtain their PVCs. The efforts of individuals like Mrs. Ogenyi, coupled with INEC’s ongoing initiatives, are crucial for achieving the goal of maximizing voter participation. The CVR exercise is not just about registering voters for the next election cycle; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous engagement with the democratic process. This long-term vision emphasizes the importance of empowering citizens to exercise their voting rights consistently, contributing to a more vibrant and representative democracy.
