The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship (BCOC), Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, has urged eligible residents of the state to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the forthcoming governorship election.
Famuyiwa made the call on Thursday while featuring on Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today, a live simulcast radio programme in Ado-Ekiti.
According to her, the PVC collection exercise commenced on June 2, and residents who registered but have not yet collected their voter cards should take advantage of the opportunity to do so at designated centres in their respective wards.
She explained that a three-day grace period would be provided after the ward-level distribution, during which eligible voters could visit their respective local government council headquarters to collect their PVCs.
“Perform your civic responsibility by collecting your PVC and participating in the electoral process,” she said.
The BCOC boss also appealed to residents to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state before, during and after the election.
She quoted Gov. Biodun Oyebanji as saying that the election should not be regarded as a do-or-die affair, stressing that no political ambition was worth the blood of any Ekiti citizen.
“We love the peaceful atmosphere we have in Ekiti. The governor has made it clear that he does not want the blood of any Ekiti citizen spilled because of politics.
“Residents should consider the progress being enjoyed in the state and make informed decisions that will preserve peace and development,” she said.
Famuyiwa also used the programme to encourage suitably qualified young graduates in the state to apply for the ongoing Nigerian Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a Federal Government initiative designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.
She described the programme as a unique opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain practical workplace experience, professional mentorship and career development through a 12-month paid placement in public and private sector organisations.
According to her, successful fellows receive a monthly stipend of N150,000 throughout the duration of the programme.
She explained that the initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), had received the support of the Ekiti State Government, which was facilitating the placement of qualified youths in host organisations across the state.
Famuyiwa said applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 30 years or below, possess a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma obtained not earlier than 2022, and must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme or possess a valid exemption certificate.
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She added that the minimum academic qualification for applicants was a Second Class Lower degree for university graduates or an Upper Credit for polytechnic Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates.
The director-general explained that the application process involved online registration, verification through the National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN), as well as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
She noted that the fellowship was not a direct employment scheme but a structured pathway designed to equip graduates with practical experience and enhance their employability.
Famuyiwa further disclosed that the state government was encouraging organisations to register as host institutions to expand opportunities available to young graduates.
She urged interested youths to take advantage of the programme and position themselves for future career opportunities through the acquisition of relevant workplace skills and experience.