From Moshood Karim
As part of the efforts to bolster grassroots mobilization for the 2024 Edo governorship election, the Edo State PDP Campaign Management Council for Religious Organisation and Cultural Affairs conducted a comprehensive training session for coordinators from the State’s three senatorial districts, weekend.
The event, dubbed “Strategic Grassroots Mobilizers Training,” aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to effectively mobilize voters.
The training session featured an appearance by Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, who expressed her gratitude to the organizers and participants.
“I am happy that you are all able to make it, especially those who came from Edo North,” she said, addressing the over 200 attendees.
“Your interest and enthusiasm to ensure we win this election as we did in 2016 and 2020 is commendable. You are set up for continuity and sustainability, making you superior to any other group.”
Mrs. Obaseki emphasized the importance of enlightenment and understanding good governance.
“There are many groups out there, some set up with emotion, personal interest, or ethnic interest. But those of you committed to good governance, continuity, and sustainability are the superior ones. That is why I don’t play with you people at all,” she stated.
She encouraged the participants to retain and disseminate the knowledge gained during the training. “Go back to your different localities and train others because we need as many people as possible in the state to mobilize for a good result in the election,” she urged.
“This knowledge is valuable beyond the 2024 Edo guber election; it’s about building capacity for good governance.”
Addressing broader political issues, Mrs. Obaseki lamented the current state of politics in Nigeria, attributing the problems to unqualified individuals in power.
“The kind of politics in Nigeria today is destructive due to people who lack the capacity to govern and only seek to embezzle public funds,” she noted.
“This suffering affects everyone, rich and poor alike. We need patriotic citizens like you to prevent further deterioration.”
The First Lady stressed the importance of patriotic engagement, warning against complacency. “If you support nonsense and remain silent while a few destroy our state and country, you will suffer. We need to stop the wrong people from entering government and work together to build Nigeria.”
Hon. Osagie Godsent Erhunmwunse, the Deputy Director General of the Council, opened the session with a call for dedication and teamwork.
He outlined key strategies for effective campaigning, including understanding the party’s vision, delegation of duties, process activation, and feedback collection.
Mr. Frank Ehiosuu, in his lecture on “Principles and Methodology for Effective Field Mobilization Operation,” highlighted the power of grassroots mobilization.
Mr. Ehiosuu who defined grassroot mobilization as an attempt to influence an outcome by reaching out to the people at the local level said that governmental power resides with the people as only the grassroot people who vote to decide winner of election.
Citing the constitution to buttress his point, he noted that section 14 sub section 2a of the Nigerian constitution states that the sovereignty belongs to the people where government derives its power. Noting,” because the political power belong to the people that is why the grassroot people are powerful.”
He emphasized the importance of reaching out to locals and the role of repetition, the power of the mind, technology, and door-to-door methods in successful mobilization efforts.
Dr. Isimeme Whyte, Chief Innovation Officer at Genius Hub, spoke on “Effective Mobilization Skills,” underscoring the need for resource mobilization, networking, community development, and inclusion.
She advised mobilizers to be well-versed in Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s manifesto and recommended assertive communication skills for engaging target audiences effectively.
The training session marks a critical step in preparing the PDP’s grassroots mobilizers for the upcoming election, with a focus on sustainable governance and effective voter engagement.
