As the deadline for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise draws near, Blue Lagos has intensified efforts to ensure residents of Lagos’ riverine and coastal communities are not left out, combining voter mobilisation, accessibility support and on-the-ground monitoring across hard-to-reach areas of the state.
As part of the initiative, the organisation deployed teams to selected riverine communities and registration centres to assess the exercise, engage residents and help overcome the transportation challenges that often limit participation in electoral processes.
The monitoring exercise commenced at the Etegbin Registration Centre in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ojo Local Government Area, where INEC officials were registering eligible voters. Blue Lagos representatives observed the process and interacted with both registrants and electoral officials.
Recognising the difficulties many residents face in accessing registration centres, the organisation also carried out community mobilisation campaigns in the remote riverine settlements of Esofin and Egan, encouraging eligible citizens to take advantage of the registration exercise.
To further support participation, Blue Lagos coordinated boat transportation for prospective registrants from the riverine communities to the Etegbin registration centre, ensuring that distance and transportation costs did not become barriers to voter registration.
The intervention enabled many residents who might otherwise have been unable to access the registration centre to register and update their voter information.
In a similar effort, Blue Lagos monitored the registration exercise at Local Government Primary School, Ilege, which serves communities within the Abomiti riverine axis of Epe Local Government Area.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess voter turnout, evaluate the accessibility of the registration process and engage directly with residents and INEC officials on challenges and opportunities for improving participation in future electoral activities.
According to the organisation, its involvement is driven by a commitment to inclusive governance and citizen participation, particularly among populations that are often disadvantaged by geographical barriers.
Blue Lagos noted that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise represents an important opportunity for eligible citizens to register for the first time, transfer their registration, update personal records and prepare to participate in future elections.
The organisation urged residents of riverine and coastal communities across Lagos State to take advantage of the exercise and ensure their voices are represented in the democratic process.
Blue Lagos is a non-profit advocacy and community development organisation dedicated to promoting inclusion, sustainable development and active citizenship in riverine and coastal communities across Lagos State through community engagement, data-driven advocacy and strategic partnerships.
True to its guiding principle, the organisation said its mission remains clear: No Community is Left Behind.