"Waiting for Maria" delves into the harrowing experiences of female inmates entangled in the sluggish justice system of Nigeria. The book follows several female inmates and their stories as they vie for the one amnesty slot granted by the government on Nigeria's National Day. The arrival of an executioner intensifies the urgency, casting a shadow of mortality over the inmates. Yet, in the face of adversity, the spirit of human compassion emerges, offering a sliver of redemption. This book, a finalist for the Commonwealth Writers Prize offers a profound exploration of the feminine condition, the systemic challenges faced by women across various societal roles, underscored by themes of justice, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of hope.