PROSPER OKOYE
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appointed Nigerian veterinarian and entrepreneur, Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, as an ambassador, a move that has now inspired a new nationwide voter mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
Dr. Shadrach, who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vet Konect Ltd., announced the campaign shortly after his appointment. The campaign, titled “Your Vote | Your Voice | Our Future”, is designed to encourage young Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process and to commit to voting in the next general election.
According to the organisers, the campaign is not a political party campaign. It is a civic education and voter mobilisation initiative aimed at promoting peaceful participation, respect for democratic institutions, and opposition to electoral violence.
Dr. Shadrach said the appointment by the NOA is an honour and a call to greater responsibility. He said he plans to use the platform to extend the agency’s message to communities across Nigeria, particularly to young people who make up a large percentage of registered voters but often fail to turn out on election day.
The centrepiece of the campaign is a 60-second video challenge. Participants are expected to record short videos pledging to exercise their voting rights, to vote peacefully, and to encourage others to do the same. The videos will be shared on social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.
The organisers said the campaign targets young Nigerians in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Nigerians in the diaspora. It also seeks to reach student groups, youth organisations, entrepreneurs, professionals, and members of civil society organisations.
The initiative is coming at a time when the NOA, under the leadership of its Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, is stepping up efforts to promote national identity, citizenship, and shared values across the country. The agency has in recent months intensified its public orientation programmes through the National Values Charter, the National Identity Project, and other national campaigns.
Dr. Shadrach and his team at Vet Konect are collaborating with the NOA to promote these programmes. The collaboration will focus on using digital platforms, community engagements, and youth networks to spread messages on unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the appointment, Dr. Shadrach pledged to support the agency’s work and to help young Nigerians understand the importance of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and their votes. He said every vote counts and that young people must not allow apathy to decide the future of the country.
He urged youth organisations, student unions, entrepreneurs, professionals, civil society organisations, and Nigerians in the diaspora to join the campaign and to use their platforms to encourage voter registration and peaceful participation.
Beyond his work in veterinary medicine and livestock development, Dr. Shadrach has been involved in several initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young people and projecting Nigeria’s image internationally. His supporters say his background in entrepreneurship and youth mentorship makes him well-suited for the ambassadorial role.
The NOA ambassadorship is expected to give him a wider platform to engage communities on national values, civic duties, and the need for peaceful elections in 2027.
The campaign organisers said more details on how to participate in the 60-second video challenge will be released on Dr. Shadrach’s official social media pages and on the Vet Konect platforms in the coming days.
Nigerians who wish to participate are encouraged to record their videos, use the campaign hashtag, and tag the organisers for reposting.