the catalyst symposium osogbo 2026

About

The Catalyst Symposium Osogbo: Informed Democracy – Voters’ Empowerment Edition, held on Thursday, 14th May 2026 at the Adolak Event Centre in Osogbo, Osun State, brought together young leaders, civil society actors, and government representatives for a day of non-partisan civic learning. Organised strictly as an educational platform, the symposium focused on equipping participants with accurate knowledge of the electoral process, the rights and responsibilities of voters, and strategies for active, informed citizenship. A major highlight of the discussions was the persistent challenge of voters’ apathy during elections, with speakers examining its root causes—such as distrust in the system, lack of perceived impact, and logistical barriers—and its detrimental effects on democratic outcomes. The gathering underscored the importance of evidence-based understanding of democratic institutions without any political affiliation, fostering a culture of responsible participation among the youth and community stakeholders.

In his powerful welcome address, the Convener, Arogundade Dolapo, set the tone for the day by emphasising that democracy thrives when citizens are equipped with credible information rather than rhetoric. He directly addressed voters’ apathy as a silent threat to credible elections, noting how low voter turnout undermines representation and weakens governance. Dolapo highlighted the symposium’s commitment to bridging knowledge gaps in voter education, urging attendees to view apathy not as inevitability but as a challenge that can be overcome through awareness and collective action. He stressed that the event was designed purely to empower participants with practical insights, encouraging them to become agents of positive civic engagement across Osun State.

The entire proceedings were expertly moderated and hosted by Richard Ademola Adeyemo and Dr. Macaulay Barnabas, whose seamless coordination ensured every session remained focused, interactive, and time-bound. Their facilitation brought out rich exchanges on voters’ apathy, with participants sharing personal experiences of disillusionment and exploring ways to rekindle interest in the electoral process. The duo created an atmosphere of open dialogue while maintaining the symposium’s strictly educational mandate, facilitating lively question-and-answer segments that reinforced key learning points on combating apathy.

Mr. Rufus Ariyo, Head of Department for Voters Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity at INEC – Osun State, delivered the opening presentation, outlining the Commission’s strategies for inclusive voter registration and education. He provided clear, factual explanations of electoral guidelines and devoted significant time to tackling voters’ apathy, sharing data on turnout trends and INEC’s ongoing campaigns to rebuild public confidence. His session equipped attendees with reliable information on how to navigate the system effectively and motivated them to encourage peers to participate actively, reinforcing the symposium’s goal of informed citizenship.

Alhaji Waheed Lawal, Chairman of the Civil Society Coalition, followed with an insightful address on the role of non-governmental organisations in promoting credible elections. He shared best practices in community mobilisation, stressing how civil society efforts can directly counter voters’ apathy through sustained advocacy, transparency, and accountability. Lawal’s contribution highlighted collaborative frameworks for grassroots action, offering participants practical tools to address apathy in their local communities without venturing into partisan territory.

Representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Assistant Commandant Atinuke Bashorun stood in for the Commandant and Area Commander, Area A, Osogbo. She elaborated on the Corps’ mandate in ensuring peaceful electoral environments and linked security measures to reducing voters’ apathy, explaining how safe polling environments can boost public confidence and participation. Her presentation underscored the symbiotic relationship between security agencies and citizens in upholding democratic processes, leaving the audience better informed on safety protocols that help mitigate fear-driven disengagement.

The Commissioner for Youth, represented by Comr. Babawale Jamiu Popoola, and the SDG Osun State Coordinator, Hon. Bankole Omisore (represented by Comr. Omololu Ajiboye), jointly addressed the intersection of youth development and sustainable democratic governance. They emphasised how voters’ apathy among young people particularly hampers progress toward Sustainable Development Goals related to peaceful societies and strong institutions, calling for targeted youth empowerment initiatives to reverse this trend. Their combined input provided participants with a forward-looking perspective on how informed voting and reduced apathy contribute to long-term state and national development.

Closing the line-up of distinguished contributors were Comr. Ajibola Lateef Folajimi, National President of NAOSS, and Comr. Aderonke Gbadamosi, President of the Ijesha Youth Forum. They spoke passionately on youth leadership in democratic spaces, the dangers of apathy, and the need for continuous civic education among student and community groups. Their remarks synthesised the day’s learnings, inspiring attendees to translate knowledge into sustained action against voters’ apathy. The symposium concluded on a high note of renewed commitment to informed citizenship, with participants expressing gratitude for the purely educational and empowering experience.