Under the harsh afternoon sun in Ondo State, 91-year-old Pa Eghaegbemi slowly made his way to Polling Unit 5 in Ward 6, Ikoya Igbinsin-Oloto.
His steps were unsteady, but his resolve was firm. Voting was more than a civic duty to him—it was a cry for change.
With wrinkles mapping the story of a life shaped by Nigeria’s history, Eghaegbemi clutched his voting card. Around him, younger voters were surprised by his presence; they knew it was not easy for an elderly man to brave the heat and the long wait. Still, he was there, casting his vote, hoping it would somehow lead to the end of the hardship he had endured for so long.
After voting, he paused and looked at the gathering crowd, raising his voice just enough to be heard. “I came here because hunger is affecting me,” he said, his voice carrying both urgency and exhaustion. “I beg the government to put an end to this hardship. We, the people, are suffering.”
His words touched everyone within earshot. This was no ordinary complaint—it was a plea from a man who had lived through Nigeria’s independence, the civil war, and decades of political change. He had seen promises come and go, yet here he was, decades later, still begging for the most basic dignity.
In his youth, Eghaegbemi had believed that a time would come when Nigerians would live comfortably, with access to food, healthcare, and security. But the years had not brought that vision to life. Now, at 91, he spoke on behalf of millions who struggled daily to survive. His vote was a statement, a reminder to everyone present that no one should have to live this way.
After sharing his appeal, Pa Eghaegbemi turned and slowly began the journey back home. The young people watched him go, his words lingering in the air. Many were moved, some inspired. Others felt a renewed sense of responsibility. They knew his vote was more than a mark on a ballot—it was a call for a future where no Nigerian, young or old, would need to beg for basic rights.
