By Olayemi Esan
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Akin Fadeyi Foundation have kickstarted a campaign titled ‘2023 Elections: Put on Your Thinking Cap" to sensitise Nigerians on the need to shun vote-buying and elect credible leaders during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The project was unveiled by the Brand and Communications Manager for the AFF, Sarah Amanabo, at a press conference/media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking at the Media Presentation which had in attendance over 100 participants virtually and physically by prominent citizens, media professionals, Nollywood actors, Amanabo described the project as a wake-up call to sensitize Nigerians on social media and and the grassroots on the need to pick up their PVCs and be prepared to vote for credible and qualified leaders.
While introducing the project to tue audience, the AFF Founder and Executive Director, Akin Fadeyi, said the path to good governance can be paved with a well informed and active citizenry through various channels. Fadeyi said, the idea of the election sensitization Project 'Put On Your Thinking Cap' is to galvanize collective power for voice action, change the narrative of vote buying, and to empower citizens the mentality to shun the default predisposition for electing pretentious and accidental Democrats.
"We will remain non-partisan and neither shall we endorse any candidate. We appeal to Nigerians, No matter where you are on the political spectrum, to never hand over leadership mandate to corrupt politicians”.
Mr Fadeyi reassured that the message the foundation is trying to push to Nigerians will be shared through various channels of communication and no politician or political party would be able to hijack the project from the foundation.
"We will continue to leverage various avenues to sensitize citizens to uphold excellent leadership in elective offices, and entrust power to accountable individuals", Fadeyi said.
He noted that the team have produced radio jingles and video clips containing “Put on your Thinking Cap” messages into various Nigerian languages to enable the foundation reach a broad spectrum of people in the rural areas across Nigeria.
He added that his foundation has initiated conversations with YIAGA AFRICA, HEDA and United Action for Democracy even it will embrace more partnerships to build a coalition for the purpose of this project.
One of the participants on virtual platform, a Nigerian Actor, Greg Ojefua urged Nigerians to shun vote buying, obtain their voters’ cards; then make themselves part of the political process, because leadership in Nigeria has weaponized politics.
Another participant Mr Jamiu Mojeed opined that, Nigerias should start considering Independent candidacy for elective positions.
AFF Board Chairman and Cable Publisher, Simon Kolawole said this project was timely and urged Nigerians to begin the asking of very critical questions.
In attendance is Dr Kunle Ojeleye, Mr Folabi Awojobi Mr Dapo Rotifa, Mr Kayode Aderopo from the United Kingdom among Others.
Watch more enlightenment video below: