T-Fresh Civic Voice

At first glance, Abuja’s Dei-Dei Timber Market appears busy and resilient, workers cutting, loading, and transporting planks under the early movement of trade. But beneath the activity lies a growing strain. Traders, carpenters, transporters, and customers say rising fuel costs, poor infrastructure, and weakening demand are reshaping one of the Federal Capital Territory’s most important building-material hubs. Interviews conducted at the market show a business environment under pressure, where the cost of production and transportation has steadily pushed up timber prices, forcing both sellers and buyers to adjust their expectations. The Dei-Dei Timber Market is one of the largest timber distribution centres in the Federal Capital Territory, supplying wood and building materials to construction firms, carpenters, and retailers within Abuja and neighbouring states. Like many informal trading hubs in Nigeria, its operations are closely tied to fuel prices, transportation netwo...

For many years, conversations about public education in Nigeria have focused on familiar challenges: overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, weak learning outcomes, and declining public confidence. These problems are not unique to Nigeria, but they have become particularly significant in a country with one of the world's largest school-age populations. Against this backdrop, Edo State launched the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme in 2018 . Rather than introducing isolated interventions, the initiative sought to improve multiple parts of the education system simultaneously, including governance, teacher support, technology, accountability, and community participation. While the programme continues to attract both praise and criticism, it offers valuable lessons for policymakers, educators, and development practitioners. Looking Beyond Infrastructure Educational reform is often associated with constructing classrooms or distr...

Nigeria's education budget has increased significantly in recent years, rising from ₦602 billion in 2020 to ₦988 billion in 2024. Yet, despite this sustained public investment, the country continues to have the world's largest population of out-of-school children—estimated at 18.3 million, according to UNESCO and UNICEF's 2024 reports. Put differently, one in every five out-of-school children globally is Nigerian. The contradiction is striking. While federal allocations have grown, more than ₦250 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants reportedly remained unassessed or unutilized by state governments as of mid-2025, according to UBEC officials. This is no longer simply a question of inadequate funding. The evidence increasingly points to systemic governance challenges, weak accountability, poor implementation, insecurity, and misplaced priorities that continue to deny millions of Nigerian children—particularly those in conflict-affected northe...

Few names in Nigeria's oil sector evoke as much debate as Diezani Alison-Madueke. Celebrated as a trailblazer who shattered barriers in a male-dominated industry and criticised as a symbol of the country's long-running accountability challenges, her story remains one of the most consequential in Nigeria's modern political history.In a country that has generated hundreds of billions of dollars from oil revenues over the decades, questions about how that wealth has been managed continue to shape national conversations on governance and transparency. As Nigeria continues to grapple with questions surrounding public trust and resource management, the story of Diezani Alison-Madueke remains both a reflection of the nation's challenges and a reminder of the importance of strong institutions. From Corporate Executive to Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke's career journey was remarkable. Before entering politics, she built a successful career in the priva...

  Anthony Eze – Journalism Portfolio COVER PAGE Name: Anthony Eze Email: ezeanthony690@gmail.com Phone: 09060995740 Blog/Website:tfreshcivicvoice.blogspot.com Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-eze-a579442a4?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android Focus: Emerging journalist covering governance, education, gender equality, civic engagement, and youth development. EDUCATION College of Education Zuba, Abuja Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) – English/Social Studies Status: In Progress Personal Statement / Introduction I am an emerging journalist with a passion for telling stories that impact communities, especially in the areas of civic engagement, education, and youth development. My goal is to build a portfolio that demonstrates strong reporting, ethical storytelling, and the ability to engage audiences with meaningful content. Through internships, field reporting, and my blog, I have honed skills in interviewing, source building, an...

In today’s digital world, information spreads faster than ever before. In Nigeria, platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X (Twitter), and TikTok have made it possible for news to go viral within minutes. But there is a serious challenge:  Not everything you see online is true. Fake news has become one of the biggest threats to information sharing today. It shapes opinions, spreads fear, and in some cases, leads to real-life consequences. The good news is this: You can detect fake news in less than 30 seconds if you know what to look for. What Is Fake News? Fake news refers to false or misleading information presented as real news. It can appear in different forms, such as: Completely fabricated stories Edited or manipulated images and videos Sensational or misleading headlines Old news shared as if it is current  How to Detect Fake News in 30 Seconds Here is a simple 5-step method anyone can use immediately: 1. Check the Source (5 seconds) Ask yourself: Who posted thi...

The College of Education, FCT Zuba, has organized a Teaching Practice Orientation aimed at equipping student teachers with the skills, knowledge, and experience required for effective classroom engagement. Speaking during the programme, the Director of Continuing Education, Mr. Laah Emmanuel, described the orientation as a critical step in preparing students for the transition from theoretical learning to practical teaching. “It is for equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience,” he said. He noted that this year’s exercise has been strengthened with the involvement of the Quality Assurance Unit to guide students and ensure proper standards are maintained. According to him, the college prepares student teachers through continuous training from admission up to the point of teaching practice. “The school trains students from admission to the time they are sent out. That is the primary role of teaching practice,” he added. Mr. Laah also highlighted some of the ...

Education is often described as the key to success. But for many Nigerian students, education is not just about learning, it is about survival. From transport struggles to financial pressure, from long distances to academic stress, many students are trying to balance learning with the realities of daily life. T-Fresh Civic Voice exists to document these realities. This platform focuses on the lived experiences of Nigerian students, especially those navigating off-campus education systems. These are not abstract statistics, they are real stories, lived every day by real people. Through storytelling and civic journalism, this platform aims to highlight the struggles, resilience, and silent challenges behind education in Nigeria. Because before results, there is reality. Before success, there is survival. And these are the stories I intend to tell. — Anthony Eze

This report is a follow-up to our earlier story on Almajiri children in Runji, Zuba, which examined community perspectives on the issue. Read Part 1 here: https://tfreshcivicvoice.blogspot.com/2026/04/left-to-streets-inside-struggles-of.html The first light of dawn had barely touched the dusty roads of Gwagwalada when Musa stepped out, a small plastic bowl in his hand and uncertainty in his eyes. At 16, his mornings do not begin with school bells or breakfast at home. They begin with movement, walking from street to street, hoping for kindness, hoping for food, hoping to make it through another day. “I go out early so I can find something before the sun becomes too hot,” he said quietly. For Musa, this is not occasional hardship. It is routine. Around him, other boys begin to stir. Some whisper softly. Others remain curled up, holding onto sleep for a few more minutes before the day begins. By sunrise, Musa is seated before his Mallam, reciting verses of the Qur’an in a low, rhythmic t...

Between Faith and Survival: Community Voices Raise Concern Over Almajiri Children in Runji, Zuba RUNJI, ZUBA, ABUJA — Along the dusty streets of Runji community in Zuba, Abuja, young boys carrying plastic bowls move from house to house asking for food or money. For many residents, the sight of these children wandering the streets has become a common but troubling reality. The children are part of the traditional Almajiri system, where young boys are sent away from home to study the Qur’an under Islamic teachers, popularly known as Mallams. However, interviews conducted with residents in the community reveal mixed reactions about the system and its impact on the children and the society around them. “Many Parents Have Abandoned the Children," Mallam An Islamic teacher in the community, Salisu Isah, explained that the Almajiri system was originally intended to help children gain Islamic knowledge, especially those who lack access to formal education. According to him, ma...

With schools currently on holiday, classrooms in Runji, Zuba, Abuja remain quiet, while students turn to recreational and social activities to pass the time. A visit by T-Fresh Civic Voice to a local school in the community revealed the main gate firmly locked, reflecting the temporary pause in academic activities during the break. Yet outside the school environment, the community was alive with youthful energy as children and teenagers gathered in open fields and religious centers. In a nearby field, several young boys were seen playing football,  Chiamaka, a Senior Secondary School One (SS1) student, told T-Fresh Civic Voice that she tries to balance leisure with studying during the break. Children gathered in a church hall for holiday activities.  Children gathered in a church hall for holiday activities “I usually try to read my books during the holiday so that I will not forget what I learned in school,” she said. Another youth at the f...

In the heart of our community, pupils at the L.E.A Primary School Runji Zuba Abuja continue to learn amid challenges that go beyond classrooms and textbooks. Despite the dedication of teachers and students, learning is affected by environmental issues, community trespassing, and a lack of government support. Madam Ruth Barnabas, the principal, shared insights about the school’s current situation: “The school currently has 220 pupils and 55 teachers. The condition of the classrooms and learning facilities is okay. However, the school is not yet fenced, thieves disturb the premises, and people who live nearby often trespass. Unfortunately, the government has not recently provided any support, such as books or teaching materials.” Teachers highlighted additional challenges impacting students’ learning. Mr. Joshua Tsufem said, “The community often dumps refuse near the school, and the restrooms have been destabilized, which makes the environment uncomfortable for pupils.” Mrs. ...

Young Voices, Big Impact: How Citizen Journalism Is Reshaping Civic Engagement in Africa Young Africans increasingly use smartphones and digital platforms to document stories and strengthen civic engagement. Across Africa today, the boundaries of journalism are expanding beyond traditional newsrooms. With smartphones in their hands and social media platforms at their fingertips, young Africans are increasingly stepping into the role of storytellers, observers, and civic watchdogs. This rising culture of citizen journalism is not only transforming how stories are told but also how societies engage with issues that affect them. Citizen journalism refers to the practice where ordinary individuals document, report, and share information about events happening around them. In many African communities where mainstream media presence may be limited, citizens often become the first witnesses and narrators of unfolding realities. From documenting community challenges to highlighting...

Nigeria’s youth population is  the largest in Africa, yet an increasing number of young people are becoming disillusioned with the country’s political and socio-economic system. For many, the promise of democracy feels distant. Rising unemployment, economic hardship, and a perceived lack of accountability in governance have contributed to a growing sense of frustration among young Nigerians. “I don’t see the impact of my vote,” says a university student in Abuja, reflecting a sentiment shared by many of his peers. “It feels like nothing really changes.” This feeling of disconnect is not isolated. Across campuses and urban communities, young people are questioning the value of participation in civic processes. From long queues during elections to unmet expectations after voting, the gap between hope and reality continues to widen. Economic pressure also plays a significant role. With increasing cost of living and limited job opportunities, many young Nigerians are more f...

Aisha Yesufu has done it again, and this time, she’s calling out Nigeria’s National Assembly in no uncertain terms. The activist described the legislature as a “national rubber-stamp,” igniting a fresh wave of debate about accountability, power, and the role of elected officials. For many Nigerians, this hits close to home. How often do lawmakers approve policies without proper scrutiny? How often does the Assembly follow the executive’s lead, leaving citizens questioning whose interests are truly being served? Yesufu’s blunt critique forces these uncomfortable questions into the spotlight. “Legislators are supposed to check the executive,” she said, “but we see approval without accountability. Nigerians deserve better.” Her words have resonated widely on social media, with supporters praising her courage to speak uncomfortable truths, while critics argue the phrasing was harsh. Yet, the conversation is clear: it’s time for Nigeria’s lawmakers to step up. Whether you agree or not, Yesu...

Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. As the nation’s democratic landscape continues to evolve, one truth becomes increasingly clear: the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on how well we empower young people and uphold gender equality. A democracy that excludes half its population,women,and sidelines its greatest demographic asset, youth, cannot fully thrive. To build a more inclusive civic culture, Nigeria must reimagine who participates in leadership, who influences policies, and who shapes public discourse. A New Generation Demanding Inclusion Nigeria’s young population, vibrant, outspoken, and politically awake, is gradually shifting the civic atmosphere. From digital activism to campus advocacy, the youth are proving that they are not passengers in the democratic journey but drivers. Yet, the numbers remain troubling. Women hold less than 10% of elective positions, and young people, despite being the majority of voters, rarely find seats at decision-making tables. This imba...

  In every election season, Nigeria repeats the same political performance, reviews, promises, and sudden generosity from politicians. Yet after the votes are conted many citizens find themselves in another cycle of disappointment. Former U.S. President Barrack Obama captured this truth when he said: " Democracy is not a spectator sport."   Nigeria has one of the world's youngest populations, yet this demographic power remains largely untapped. Speaking at the UN General assembly, Nigerian activist Aisha Yesufu warned: "A Country Cannot Progress When It's Young People are Politically Silent." Former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega has also noted that when young people disengage, they create room for manipulation and poor leadership. The youth must choose whether to watch from the sidelines or stop fully into civic- responsibility.  For decades elections have been shaped by ethnicity, religion, and blind loyalty. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka once descr...

  In the past few weeks, Nigeria has been shaken by unsettling headlines,  whispers of a planned coup, rumours of arrested officers, and debates about who is telling the truth. On social media, the story spread like wildfire: claims that some elements within the Nigerian military had conspired to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But soon, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denied everything. In a sharp rebuttal, the military described the reports as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.” Still, many Nigerians remain confused. If no coup was attempted, who started the story? And if something did happen, why the rush to silence the discussion? Between what the government says and what citizens hear lies a familiar space,  a place where truth struggles to breathe. This is not the first time Nigeria has danced around a “coup rumour,” and it may not be the last. But what makes this one different is how swiftly it spre...

Every election, Nigerian women are promised a seat at the table, yet their voices are still drowned out. Despite decades of activism, women remain underrepresented, and even when elected, their influence is often muted. A System That Silences Potential Nigeria’s political structure is stacked against inclusion. Party primaries are dominated by money and connections. For women, the hurdles are doubled: they must first fight stereotypes before even reaching the ballot. Female aspirants are frequently mocked or dismissed as “too emotional” or “unfit for politics,” forcing many to abandon their ambitions before they begin. Beyond Numbers: Representation and Influence True representation is not just a count of women in office,  it’s about the weight of their voices once there. In Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, women hold just 4.5% of seats. (Guardian) Even when elected, many female lawmakers are sidelined in decision-making processes, despite offering perspectives grounded in empathy...

In recent weeks, Nigeria’s public conversation has shifted from the corridors of government to the newsroom itself. The clash between Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential aide on information and strategy, and Rufai Oseni, a fearless Arise TV broadcaster, has sparked new debates on the integrity and independence of journalism in our democracy. At its surface, it looks like a mere exchange of words — but beneath it lies the larger question of how journalists balance truth-telling with professionalism in an environment where power often pushes back. Onanuga represents an older generation of media strategists who once challenged authority but now defend it; Oseni, on the other hand, represents a younger, bolder voice of accountability that refuses to be silenced. This friction reveals a crucial truth: Nigeria’s media space is evolving. As young communicators, we must learn from both — from Onanuga’s experience and from Oseni’s courage. Journalism must not become an extension of power...