T-Fresh Civic Voice

While I was growing up, there was a female politician who was deeply respected and loved in our community. Everyone called her “Mama All” because of the maternal love she showed to everyone, regardless of religion, tribe, or denomination. When election time came, the majority of the people voted for her with high hopes. But to our dismay, she was denied her rightful victory. The leadership position was handed to someone we never expected—a man who had no genuine interest in the well-being of the people. His only advantage was being male. Mama All was outstanding, inclusive, and courageous. She always stood for the truth. The day she eased a long-standing trauma in our society was the moment she earned deep respect from everyone. Many men had tried to resolve the issue without success, but with just a few powerful, heartfelt words, she brought peace and healing where others had failed. Mama All’s story is just one example of a wider problem in Nigeria’s democracy. Nigeria returned to de...

" Equality is not a threat - it's the beginning of real progress."  Back then in school, there was chaos in our classroom, and no one could bring order. A confident and capable girl had earlier volunteered to be class prefect, but she was rejected simply because she was female. Instead a shy boy who wasn't outspoken was chosen, and the disorder continued. That experience taught me a lesson I've carried ever since: leadership and achievement are not determined by gender, but by knowledge, confidence and ability. It's time we take the bull by the horns and let the world know - equality is not a threat; it is a solution.  Gender bias runs deep in Nigeria. In many homes, men are automatically seen as "breadwinners," even when it's the women who provide for the family. Yet their dignity and contributions are often overlooked or dismissed. In politics, too, there are capable and visionary women ready to lead and make real impact, but their voices are i...