Note how, on either end of the frame, there’s a woman attired in blue-toned wrapper, as distinguishable from the more common red. Yet other hints of uniformity appear: the lifting of plastic chairs, the white blouses. Despite their gestural comportment, there is a settled air of camaraderie among them, most evident in the woman who readies her bicycle for an exit while turning towards the ongoing chatter. It is thus the aged building—its withered door and window frames—that distract from the resplendence in the scene. Or it is more plausible to suggest what’s only normal in such gatherings, these conversations that seem to outlast time itself.
— Emmanuel Iduma
The photograph was taken in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State in 2023. It was during the annual August meeting which is popular in the South Eastern part of Nigeria when women in the community gather to discuss and take part in the community's growth. It's a platform to promote unity, empowerment and the wellbeing of women and their families. Women come together to celebrate their collective achievements, share knowledge and strategize for the improvement of their community. It was a regional event among the autonomous communities and it was the turn of Aboh Mbise to host the year's meeting. So I waited patiently for them outside the meeting arena. As soon as they were done and everyone was ready to depart, there was a lot of chit chat between them, during which the images were made.
This picture was chosen because of its richness and originality;,it shows how women in Aboh Mbaise create a safe space for themselves.
My approach to photography is to tell stories that change the narrative, from environmental issues to social issues. My goal is to project Nigeria and Africa in a different light from what the western media has always shown about us. Beyond capturing beautiful moments and images my style becomes more of a way to tell stories, preserve culture and traditions and offer insight into diversity and richness in human experience.
For me there is only one way to capture the essence of a place, and it is through its people.
— Toyin Adedokun
Toyin Adedokun is a Nigerian based photojournalist and visual storyteller who has worked on assignments for The Republic Journal, AFP, Aljazeera, BBC. He was awarded the Photographer of the year by The Republic Journal in 2024. He is a member of African Photojournalist Database, a joint project by World Press Photo and Everyday Africa. He is also a member of Kuta Art foundation, a pro youth art centre where he volunteered for the growth of the art community. See more of his work on his website, Instagram, and in The Republic.
