Amid the serene yet challenging waterways of Ondo State’s Ilaje Local Government Area, a silent revolution unfolded during the recent governorship election. Women from the riverine communities, defying isolation and hardship, paddled their way to polling stations, determined to cast their votes for a better future.
One such woman, 37-year-old Blessing Rojugbokan, epitomized this determination. At dawn, with her baby strapped to her back, she paddled her canoe from the remote Obeuhi community to Obenla’s Ward 4, Unit 006. For Rojugbokan and others like her, voting wasn’t just a civic duty; it was an act of resilience and hope.
Communities Forgotten by Progress
The Ilaje communities, nestled in mangrove forests and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, are as isolated as they are picturesque. Canoes are their lifeline, navigating waterways that remain untouched by motorable roads. However, this beauty masks harsh realities: inadequate schools, absent healthcare, no electricity, and seasonal floods that destroy homes and livelihoods.
Years of neglect have left the Ilajes grappling with poverty, climate change, and environmental degradation from oil exploration. For women like Rojugbokan, these hardships only strengthen their resolve to demand change through the ballot.
The Struggles of Participation
Rojugbokan’s journey didn’t end with paddling. Upon reaching Obenla, she endured hours in the blistering sun, breastfeeding her baby while waiting to vote.
“Standing for hours with a baby, especially in this heat, is not easy,” she said. “There are no shades, no seats, and no provisions for mothers at polling stations. But this is our only way to speak out.”
Elizabeth Agbeyihannen, another Ilaje voter and fish seller, echoed similar struggles. Despite the peaceful election, she decried the neglect of her community.
“Our schools barely function, and the hospitals lack essential drugs,” Agbeyihannen lamented. “Sea incursion has destroyed homes, and we need the government to build embankments to protect us.”
Marginalized Voices Call for Empowerment
The Ilaje women’s resolve underscores their frustration with being sidelined in political decisions. They seek leaders who will prioritize education, healthcare, and job creation.
“Women here are strong and hardworking, but we’re excluded from politics,” Rojugbokan said. “Empower us, and our communities will thrive.”
Another voter, Abike Eruikubami, emphasized the importance of support programs.
“We need empowerment initiatives to help us sustain our families,” she said. “If women are uplifted, our entire community benefits.”
A Vote for Change
Despite the systemic barriers, Ilaje women remain undeterred. Their participation in the election is a testament to their resilience and desire for a better future.
“This is about fighting for our children’s future,” Rojugbokan said, her baby nestled in her arms. “We cannot give up now.”
As the election dust settles, their paddles slicing through the waters symbolize not just a journey to vote, but a louder call for progress, equity, and a brighter tomorrow.