"Oppression"

Navigating the Depths of Oppression in Nigeria

Written by Alexander Ogunmola and Young Eta

"Oppression." It's a word that sits heavy on our Nigerian hearts, a familiar shadow we see cast in classrooms, streets, even houses of worship. It's woven into our language, not just slang, but a whisper of something deeper, a truth about our lives.

It's the sting of a boss's threat, the professor's cruel demand, the sting of Tolu's cheek after Mr. Faramade's unjust slap. It's a pain we all share, a scar we carry from birth in this land of ours.

Oppression, as Paulo Freire teaches, is a wound passed down through generations. It builds a world of "haves" and "have-nots," where some see the world as theirs to control, while others struggle for basic dignity.

But there's another way. Freedom isn't just about full bellies, it's about the freedom to create, to dream, to explore. It's a journey we must take together, with responsibility and hope.

We can break free from the shadows of oppression, not by ignoring its sting, but by understanding its roots and choosing a different path. We can build a world where every voice is heard, every dream respected, and every heart free to soar.

Let's not be defined by the darkness, but by the light we choose to shine. Together, we can rewrite the story of oppression, and paint a future as bright and beautiful as the Nigerian spirit itself.