Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) has begun training for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) on Polling and Counting Procedures in preparation for Kogi governorship election slated for November 11.
This significant training initiative took place at the College of Health Sciences, Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC Kogi State, Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet while delivering his address during the opening ceremony, underscored the vital role SPOs play in guaranteeing transparent and violence-free elections.
According to him, the Electoral Institute (TEI) organised this essential two-day training with the aim of ensuring that participants can effectively organize and conduct training on polling and counting, aligning with the ‘Regulation and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022.’
He called on participants to take their training seriously and contribute to transforming Kogi State’s image as a hotspot for election-related violence.
Also speaking, Director General of TEI, Dr Sa’ad Umar Idris whole addressed the participants, stressed the need to maintain non-partisanship in their roles.
He encouraged open dialogue and emphasized the importance of adapting to technological advancements to ensure transparent, credible elections.
Dr. Idris emphasized that effective training of election personnel is pivotal for conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.
The Director of Training, Dr Binta Kasim Mohammed, also emphasized the critical role of SPOs in effectively transferring knowledge to Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers.
The training covered various aspects, including technology-driven innovations introduced by the Commission.
These include the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System device (BVAS) for voter accreditation and the improved iREV (INEC Result Viewing Portal) for uploading Polling Unit Results. SPOs were introduced to INEC e-School, INEC Training BOT, and INEC Security Alert and Notification System (INEC-SANS) to ensure the safety of INEC staff and facilities.
Prominent figures from INEC and TEI graced the opening ceremony, including the Administrative Secretary of INEC Kogi State, Mallam Shehu Baba, HOD E-Operations Department, Mr Abdulwaheed Sani, TEI/HQ Trainers, and Management Staff of the Electoral Institute.
The training is poised to bolster the capacity of SPOs and pave the way for a transparent, credible and peaceful election.
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