TheThe Ekiti State Government has declared a half-day public holiday for civil and public servants on Friday to enable them participate in the ongoing collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji approved the measure as part of efforts to encourage greater participation in the electoral process and ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised during the election.
Under the directive, workers are expected to close from work at 12 noon to collect their PVCs at designated registration centres across the state, while personnel on essential duties are to remain at their duty posts.
The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Establishments and Service Matters, Mrs Janet Funke Ajibola.
The circular underscored the importance of the PVC as a critical tool for democratic participation and urged all eligible citizens to take advantage of the ongoing exercise.
According to the government, the PVC distribution exercise, being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), commenced on June 2 and will run until June 11 at registration areas and ward centres across the state before moving to INEC local government offices for further collection.
The state government noted that the decision to grant the half-day holiday reflects its commitment to strengthening democratic governance through active citizens’ participation.
It also directed accounting officers in all ministries, departments and agencies to adequately sensitise members of staff and ensure prompt dissemination of the directive.
Reiterating the importance of voter registration and participation, the government urged residents who are yet to collect their PVCs to do so within the stipulated period, stressing that the exercise remains a vital step towards exercising their constitutional right to vote in the forthcoming election.
