By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
In a bid to boost citizens’ participation in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the Imo State Government on Saturday, July 25, mobilized students from various tertiary institutions across the state for the registration of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
The exercise, tagged “Imo Youths PVC Registration Party,” was organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization.
To ensure a seamless registration process, students from Imo State University (IMSU), the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, and Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education were provided with free transportation to the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the voter registration exercise.
Addressing the participants, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Barrister Chinenyenwa Owuamalam, described the initiative as a reflection of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to empowering young people and encouraging them to actively participate in the democratic process.
She noted that the governor was passionate about ensuring that youths fulfilled their civic responsibilities by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards and participating in elections.
Expressing delight at the impressive turnout, Owuamalam emphasized that young people, as future leaders, must remain actively involved in electoral and governance processes.
She thanked Governor Uzodimma for what she described as his fatherly concern for the youth and urged eligible residents across the state to complete their voter registration before the deadline set by INEC. She also commended the electoral officials for ensuring the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, described the programme as a strategic youth sensitization initiative aimed at increasing awareness of government policies and programmes while promoting civic engagement.
According to him, encouraging young people to participate in the electoral process is essential to building a more responsible and prosperous society.
He appreciated Governor Uzodimma for supporting the initiative, stressing that increased youth participation in elections would strengthen democratic governance and citizens’ involvement in decision-making.
Some of the beneficiaries applauded the initiative, saying it provided them with an opportunity to register as voters and participate in electing candidates of their choice during the 2027 general elections.
They expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma and the organizers for making the exercise possible, noting that many of them might not have registered without the government’s intervention. They also praised the prompt and efficient services rendered by the INEC officials.
Among those who spoke were Luke Praise God, Molokwu Angela and Emmanuella Chiamanda, while some participants requested anonymity.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, cultural dance displays and other artistic performances that further energized participants and reinforced the importance of active civic participation.
