"Educated, Industrious…Still Overlooked: The Untold Story of Boki Women"
"Educated, Industrious…Still Overlooked: The Untold Story of Boki Women"
By: Otu John Eshua
Boki, Cross River State – In a rare moment of raw expression and cultural solidarity, a group of Boki women recently gathered in a vibrant display of traditional song and chant, voicing their frustrations through a heartfelt and revealing folk performance. The chorus of their song echoed a sentiment both poetic and political:
“Boki men, well done. Boki men, well done.
When you need votes, you come to Boki.
But when you win, you leave us behind,
And marry strangers.”
This simple yet powerful refrain has stirred conversation across the region and beyond, highlighting a deeper societal concern: the growing disillusionment among Boki women who feel politically used and emotionally discarded.
_The Song as Protest_
In African societies, music and oral poetry often serve as tools for communication, resistance, and collective memory. For the Boki women, their song is more than just melody it’s a social commentary on broken promises, marginalization, and the emotional toll of political neglect.
The lyrics reflect a recurring pattern in local politics where men return to their communities only during election seasons, courting the trust and support of their people especially the Boki women, who often form the backbone of grassroots mobilization. However, after securing political power, many of these men are perceived to distance themselves from their roots, choosing life partners from outside the community and leaving the Boki women behind.
The Message Is Clear
The voices of Boki women are not just singing they are speaking truth to power. Their chants echo a widespread reality: that political engagement must go beyond seasonal visits and empty promises. These women are not just supporters at the grassroots they are leaders, culture bearers, and community builders.
As conversations ripple across Cross River State, this moment presents an opportunity for real reflection. Will the next generation of leaders embrace inclusion, or will the cycle continue?
At JOEFINTEC MEDIA, our mission is to spotlight untold stories like this because when communities speak, the world should listen.
John Otu, JOEFINTEC MEDIA
Comments
Post a Comment