The year is 2050. The future is here. And the future is female. Beyonce’s renowned ‘Run The World’ is no longer just a song. It’s an anthem. We are literally seconds away from history being made. I’m even more thrilled because my grand-daughter, (whose eyes are also glued to the television screen), is here to witness this historic moment with me. I can’t help but recall how just 50 years back, monumental events like this…would not even be remotely possible. I can’t help but marvel at how women like Alao, 50 years ago, ran so that women like these, that we are staring at on the screen at this very moment, can walk.

Emana Alao. That was the ravishing African name of that drop-dead gorgeous queen I could have called mine. It was her second name that best fit her description. Alao: the one destined to divide, crush, and conquer any adversary or difficulty. We were meant to get married. Have children. And live happily ever after. But the script was altered. Brutally. A character called ‘FGM’ was introduced and its role was that of a villain. Alao had earlier witnessed her two elder sisters succumb to ‘the cut’ and she had resolved that against all odds, she would fight against this evil thing that took lives in the foolish name of culture. She protested it in every way she knew how, but they forced her too into this evil practice. And just like that, in the foolish name of culture, my beloved was no more. Fortunately, her voice and efforts were loud enough to last even generations that came after her.

A deafening cheer brings me back to reality. ‘Grandpa, did you hear that?’My grand-daughter Alao, (who by the way, has no idea why I named her that) takes the remote and rewinds it. ‘On this day of June 9th 2050, I hereby declare Alani Ogaji, president elect, of the Republic of Nigeria.’ He pauses after Cheers and screams erupt across the national stadium. And then adds ‘This, ladies and gentlemen, is our first female president.’ Alani Ogaji takes the stage and her first words are reassuring ‘And I will not be the last. I want to thank all the women that came before me. All those who actively protested cultures like FGM that belittled women empowerment. I am, because you were.’