What Democracy and Equality Could Accomplish in Northern Nigeria

My name is Saliu Olumide Saheed, and I live in northern Nigeria, a region where the challenges of poverty, illiteracy, gender-based violence, inadequate healthcare, and a broken justice system make daily life hard. When I think about the ideas of equality and democracy, I see a vision of a fair and just world where all individuals, no matter their background, race, or socioeconomic status, have equal opportunities. For me, democracy and equality are not just lofty ideals; they represent hope and a possibility for my community to escape the cycles of disadvantage that keep us from thriving.

Equality and democracy, at their core, promote equal access to resources, opportunities, and rights for all. In northern Nigeria, many people, including women and children, are systematically denied access to these basic human rights. Illiteracy remains one of the most pressing issues, affecting the future prospects of entire generations. A commitment to equality and democratic principles would prioritize accessible, high-quality education for all. If my community had access to free and inclusive schooling, we would see more children especially girls empowered to rise out of poverty, contribute to society, and even aspire to become leaders. With equal education, we can also better address health challenges by creating awareness about preventive care, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, and eradicating diseases that stem from a lack of basic medical knowledge.

An equal, democratic world would also mean the end of hunger. Currently, food scarcity and malnutrition plague my community, affecting children most acutely. Equality and democracy would emphasize equitable distribution of resources, enabling my community to access nourishing food and sustainable agricultural support. Imagine a world where local farmers are given equal opportunities to participate in markets, where they are trained and equipped with modern techniques to improve their yields. Hunger is not inevitable; it is a symptom of systemic inequality. Through fair distribution of resources, I believe we can eliminate it.

One of the most powerful aspects of equality and democracy are the inclusion of women in all spheres of life. In my community, women are often marginalized, denied a voice, and restricted by cultural barriers that deny them education, economic independence, and decision-making power. However a democratic, equitable framework demands equal rights for women, recognizing that they have just as much potential to shape society positively. If women were empowered, I believe we would witness a transformation; empowered women would educate their children, start businesses, and participate in local governance. This inclusivity would foster a society that values diversity, compassion, and cooperation.

Furthermore, an egalitarian world would foster a fair justice system, where every person, regardless of their background, is treated with respect and dignity. In northern Nigeria, the justice system is riddled with corruption, making it nearly impossible for ordinary citizens to seek justice, especially when it involves gender-based violence or political issues. Equality and democracy would advocate for legal reforms and accountability, ensuring that everyone has access to fair treatment under the law. For victims of violence and oppression, this is especially important. It would mean that women and children who experience gender-based violence would finally be able to seek and receive justice.

Lastly, an equitable world would mean the end of extremist violence. Boko Haram continues to destabilize northern Nigeria, exploiting poverty and lack of education to recruit followers. But if our community were to experience equitable access to education and economic opportunities, it would be far less susceptible to the lure of extremist ideologies. Democracy and equality would provide security and peace, enabling people to pursue their dreams without fear.

In a world that practices democracy and equality, I envision a vibrant, peaceful, and productive community where everyone, regardless of gender or background, has a chance to succeed. For me, it represents a future of hope, where the chains of poverty, hunger, and fear are replaced by the freedom to live a dignified, fulfilling life. This is a vision that I believe is worth striving for both for myself and for generations to come.