Dear Sir/Madam, 2023: INVITATION TO THE CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRACY, ELECTIONS AND THE FUTURE OF SOUTH WEST REGION We are glad to invite you as SPECIAL GUESTS at the Conference on 2023, Democracy and the Future of South West Region.
The event will draw no fewer than 500 delegates from across the South West representing professionals, labour, civil society, manufacturers, students and Pan Yoruba groups. The summit has been put together by the coalition of over 100 Pan Yoruba groups representing different social, cultural, economic segments across the old Western Region comprising Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Delta and Edo States. The Pan Yoruba Democratic Movements, (PYDM) was established as a network of social and cultural movements aimed at creating awareness towards improving the electoral fortunes in Yorubaland. Affiliate members include artisan unions, mechanic associations, Okada Riders Association, Students movement and several Pan Yoruba groups.
In the past few years, voters’ apathy dominate the South West political culture. The diminishing, lowly turnout will reduce the ability of the South West to negotiate from the position of strength. In peace and troubled times, voting strength of a people is a great political asset.
There is the need for a Non-State Actor’s intervention to create an electoral paradigm shift in the old Western Region. The Focal Points of the group are:
· Work for and promote sustainable development across the named territories.· Promote maximum electoral participation of children of Oduduwa in Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Itsekiri in Delta, Edo and Ekiti States.· Grassroots mobilisation of Yoruba youths for optimum electoral output.· Promote and work for non violence before, during and after elections across the aforementioned states.· Develop and implement the framework for Mandate Protection.· Promote and work for Progressive candidates across the named territories.· Voters Education and Leadership Training.· Guarantee maximum voters’ registration and mass turnout of voters across the mentioned territories.· Promote youth and gender equity in the electoral process and political platforms.· Network with civil society and Community Based Organisations, (CBOs) across Nigeria to promote and work for progressive candidates who genuinely have the capacity to ensure peace, security and prosperity in Nigeria.· Network with children of Oduduwa in the Diaspora including those living across West Africa, and those living in Nigeria outside the Old Western Region for maximum electoral participation The event holds on Wednesday April 13, 2022. The venue is St Leo Hall, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos. The second day of the event is the Strategic Section for leading members only with the aim of working out the strategy for massive voters’ registration and political participation across the entire South West. Time is 9.30am. We look forward to receiving you on this great occasion.
Adewale AdeoyeChairman
Popoola AjayiGeneral Secretary