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Crownrise Development Initiative Hosts “#Her Voice Matters” Dialogue to Advance Women’s Participation in Politics.

Osogbo, Osun State – August 10, 2026

Crownrise Development Initiative (CDI) hosted a one-day dialogue tagged “Her Voice Matters”, bringing together key stakeholders, women, young people, civil society actors and democracy advocates to discuss the need for increased and meaningful participation of women in politics and democratic governance.

The dialogue, held on Friday, August 8, 2026, in Osogbo, Osun State, was themed “Women Participation in Politics.” The programme provided a platform for participants to examine the opportunities, challenges and barriers limiting women’s involvement in political processes, leadership and decision-making.

The event commenced with a welcome address by the Executive Director of Crownrise Development Initiative, Hon. Adetunji Ajala, who emphasized the organization’s commitment to creating platforms that amplify citizens’ voices and promote inclusive participation in governance. He buttressed the importance of ensuring that women are not merely represented as voters and supporters during elections but are also empowered to actively contest for political offices and occupy decision-making spaces.

A major highlight of the programme was the panel discussion, which featured experienced professionals and stakeholders with diverse perspectives on democracy, elections, gender inclusion and civic participation.

The panel comprised Miss Obafemi Deborah, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Kukah Centre; Mr. Rufus Ariyo, Head of Department, Voter Education, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and Dr. Funmilayo Ojo, former Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

The panelists explored various dimensions of women’s participation in politics, including voter education, political representation, leadership opportunities, media visibility, institutional barriers and the role of women in strengthening democratic institutions.

Discussions also highlighted the need to address some of the persistent challenges confronting women in politics, including limited access to political structures, inadequate resources, societal stereotypes, violence and intimidation, and insufficient support for women seeking elective and appointive positions.

Participants were encouraged to move beyond conversations about women’s inclusion and take deliberate steps towards creating an environment where women can participate freely, safely and meaningfully at every level of the political process.

The dialogue provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, ask questions and contribute recommendations on practical ways to strengthen women’s political participation in Osun State and Nigeria at large.

The engagement further emphasized the importance of civic education, mentorship, advocacy, networking and capacity building as critical tools for preparing more women to take up leadership roles and contribute effectively to democratic governance.

The “Her Voice Matters” Dialogue is part of CDI’s broader commitment to advancing good governance, civic participation, gender inclusion and accountable democratic institutions through community engagement, advocacy, research and capacity building.

#Her voice matters #Her participation matters #Her leadership matters.

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VOTER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

A strong community begins with informed citizens. Understanding how elections work helps people participate confidently and responsibly.

• Know your voting rights – Every eligible citizen has the right to participate in elections.

• Understand the voting process – Knowing how elections work helps citizens participate without confusion.

• Verify information – Elections often come with misinformation. Always rely on credible sources.

• Participate peacefully – Elections should be conducted peacefully with respect for democratic processes.

• Stay informed – Being aware of election updates, registration processes, and civic responsibilities helps citizens make better decisions.

When communities are informed, they are better prepared to participate in shaping the future of their society.

Civic awareness begins with understanding.

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The Power of One Voice in the Forthcoming Election: A Call to Civic Responsibility

Though the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election may still appear distant, the road to meaningful participation starts now. It begins not on election day, but in the quiet decisions we make today; decisions to care, to be informed, to be involved. At Crownrise Development Initiative, we believe that the strength of any democracy lies in the power of each individual voice. And that includes yours.

Elections are not merely about political parties, candidates, or manifestos. They are about people, their values, their visions, and their belief in something better. They represent an opportunity to shape the future we all wish to live in. Your vote is not just a civic duty; it is a personal statement of hope, of responsibility, and of trust in the democratic process.

Your Voice Matters
No matter who you are or where you live, your voice carries weight. It can challenge systems, inspire change, and influence outcomes. In a time when many feel unheard or unseen, casting your vote becomes an act of empowerment.

Your Choice Matters
Elections reflect the values we choose to uphold as a society; justice, equity, development, peace, accountability. Every ballot cast contributes to defining what kind of leadership we embrace and what kind of future we envision.

Your Courage Matters
Choosing to engage, especially in a climate of uncertainty or distrust, takes courage. But it is that very courage that has, time and again, driven progress across nations. As citizens, we owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to stand up, speak out, and participate fully.

As we prepare for the 2026 election, let us begin by educating ourselves. Let us seek information about the process, engage in meaningful conversations in our communities, and encourage others, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, to do the same. Let us amplify each other’s voices, because collective action begins with individual intention.

Civic engagement is not a one-day event. It is a continuous effort rooted in our daily choices and actions. Whether through community dialogues, town hall meetings, or digital advocacy, let us all commit to building a stronger democratic culture from the grassroots up.

When the time comes, let it not be just about casting a vote. Let it be about claiming our place in history. Let it be about choosing progress over apathy, unity over division, and accountability over silence.

The future does not begin on election day: it begins today.

So, we ask: what kind of future do you want to see? The power to shape it lies within you. Let your voice be heard.

#Crownrise Development Initiative
#Promoting Good Governance, #Civic Engagement, and #Grassroots Participation

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CROWNRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE CALLS ON OSUN CITIZENS TO REGISTER FOR THEIR PVC!!!

CROWNRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE CALLS ON OSUN CITIZENS TO REGISTER FOR THEIR PVC!!!

As the countdown to the 2026 Osun Governorship Election begins, Crownrise Development Initiative (CDI) urges all eligible citizens to take the first step in shaping the future – register to vote!

E-Registration for Voter Cards begins August 18th, 2025.

To start, https://www.cvr.inecnigeria.org

This is your opportunity to apply as a new voter, request a transfer, correct your name, or replace a damaged voter card.

From August 25th, 2025., physical registration continues at INEC offices across all LGAs in Osun State.

Your voice matters. Your vote counts.
Let’s build a better Osun together.

Check below to know your Local Government INEC office.

YourInvolvementMatters #RegisterToVote #CrownriseInitiative #OsunDecides2026

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INEC engaged Crownrise Development Initiative, other Stakeholders on 2026 Osun Governorship Election

_INEC Holds Press briefing in Osogbo_

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, on Tuesday, August 13, 2025, held a high-level Stakeholders’ Engagement and Formal Presentation of the Notice of Election ahead of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.

The event took place at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, INEC Headquarters, Osogbo, under the theme: 2026 Osun Governorship Election: Level of Preparedness.

The engagement brought together all Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations, Media Representatives, Religious Bodies and other stakeholders in the State to discuss the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and INEC’s commitment to a free, fair, and credible election.

The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke in his words assured voters that their votes will count through a credible process in the upcoming 2026 Governorship Election in the state. He likewise affirmed that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will commence on August 18th, 2025 with online registration, while biometric registration starts on August 25th, 2025 across all the Local Governments of the State including Modakeke Area office. He urged prospective registrants to visit www.cvr.inecnigeria.org to supply the necessary information for their online CVR registration.

The INEC REC confirmed that the Osun Governorship Election will be conducted on August 8, 2026 , as earlier announced, while primaries will be conducted between November 24 and December 15th, 2025. He insisted that “No PVC, No Voting,” and therefore enjoined eligible Osun voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards whenever the window for collection opens.

Dr. Agboke also noted that there are 1,594,006 registered voters in Osun, with 360,794 uncollected PVCs as at July 2025.

The Osun INEC boss implored Osun residents to come out to register for their PVCs.

Crownrise Development Initiative , a civic-focused NGO dedicated to democratic participation and grassroots development, was duly represented at the engagement. As an organization committed to good governance, Crownrise Development Initiative aligns with INEC’s objectives to promote inclusive and informed electoral processes.

The Press Conference served as an official platform for INEC to formally notify all political parties of the 2026 Osun Governorship election, Announce preparations for the CVR, Reaffirm its dedication to transparency and voter inclusion and call for collaborative efforts from all electoral stakeholders.
The event ended with a renewed sense of collaboration among all stakeholders, setting the tone for an inclusive and well-organized 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

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