From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has flagged off a statewide mobilisation campaign to encourage voter registration across markets and tertiary institutions in Katsina State.
Speaking during the launch on Monday, the state Director of the Agency, Muhtari Lawal Tsagam, said the initiative was targeted at youths of voting age to ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“The campaign will be conducted in all markets and tertiary institutions throughout the state so as to effectively reach potential voters in both urban and rural areas,” Tsagam said.
He explained that NOA staff across the 34 local government areas had been directed to carry out similar exercises in the 361 wards of the state. He also urged residents who lost their PVCs or wanted transfers to visit INEC offices for updating.
Tsagam advised first-time voters to begin their registration by using the INEC online portal before completing the process physically. He, however, cautioned against multiple registration, warning that it could lead to disqualification from the voters’ register.
The NOA boss commended the Katsina State Government for supporting the campaign.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Chiranchi Local Government, Ibrahim Sani, represented by the council secretary, Aminu Ishaq, said the council had constituted a committee to mobilise youths for registration.
He added that 14 youths had been trained to assist with the process across the area, stressing that the campaign would help ensure the number of registered voters reflected the true size of Katsina’s population.
Traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and market leaders were among those present at the event.