The European Union (EU) has partnered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other key stakeholders to organise musical concerts tagged Youth Vote Count 2.0 to create voting awareness.

The EU, under its Support to Democratic Governance Programme in Nigeria (SDGN), said the concert would be organised in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders like Yiaga Africa and DAI.

EU’s Ambassador, Samuela Isopi revealed the plan at the weekend, disclosing that the concert was scheduled to hold at 9:00 a.m on June 11 at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The musicians slated to perform include Kizz Daniel, M.I, Teni, Omawumi, Mayorkun, Waje, 2Baba, Patoranking, Skiibii, Ashake, Small Doctor, Falz and Bella shmurda.

Other celebrities and influencers include: Ufuoma McDermott, Chioma Akpotha, Uti Nwachukwu, Uche Jombo, Lasisi Elenu, Kie Kie, Mr. Macaroni, Real Warri Pikin, Omoni Oboli, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, and Broda Shaggi.

While only a PVC or temporary voters slip admits anyone, those who do not have their PVC or temporary voters slip can register at the TBS between June 6th to 11th.

Speaking on the programme, Isopi said for the EU in general, the youth

is extremely important to us. The question now is – how can we get young people to be more involved in matters that are as critical as the political and governance process?

Oftentimes, we see that there is that huge disconnect between young people and the decision makers. We also think that it is not because some of them are not aware, but because of lack of trust in the process, and that they do not understand or take it for granted that their views will not be taken into consideration.

This is where the Youth Vote Count comes in. For us, what we count as the positive to the process is the fact that – first, we pride ourselves and focus a lot about the non-partisan nature of the campaign.

It is a civic campaign that is extremely non-partisan, with one single objective – to mobilise young people, especially the people within the younger bracket of young people ‘so to speak,’ that is, 18 and 25 years.

In any youth vote count activity, we provide a platform for young people and INEC to engage. You will see that in any Youth Vote Count campaign or activity, we bring INEC on the one hand and young people on the other hand to engage in the process.

The event will be leveraging the pop culture prevalent among young Nigerians to raise awareness on the importance of them to actively participate in the electoral process, while providing a platform for them to engage the electoral umpire.

Select Nigerian celebrities – musicians, comedians, OAPs – will grace the stage with their craft, to urge young people to get registered, collect their Permanent Voters Cards, and ensure they come out en masse to vote for the candidates of their choice during the elections, while assuring them that their votes will count.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.