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...
T-Fresh Civic Voice is a civic storytelling and research journalism platform documenting Nigerian realities, education, governance, gender equality, and citizen participation. We highlight challenges, resilience, and everyday struggles shaping access to opportunity, from Almajiri children to off-campus students.