ABANDONED, VANDALISE AND FORGOTTEN.

ABANDONED, VANDALISED AND FORGOTTEN: HOW THE ABSENCE OF A FUNCTIONAL SCHOOL IS DENYING OKPAKO CHILDREN THEIR FUTURE

In Okpako Community, children are not dropping out of school because they do not want to learn—they are being forced out because there is no functional public school to attend.

Introduction

Education is a fundamental human right and one of the strongest foundations for community development. Yet, in Okpako Community, Ejamah Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, hundreds of children continue to face barriers to basic education due to the absence of a functional public school.

The only public school that once served the community has reportedly been vandalised and is no longer fit for learning. With no immediate government intervention, many children are either out of school or forced to travel long distances in search of education, while families with limited financial means struggle to afford private schools.

The continued neglect of educational infrastructure in Okpako has renewed concerns among residents about the growing number of out-of-school children in the community. Community members are calling on the Rivers State Government and relevant education authorities to urgently rebuild and equip a functional public school before another generation of children is left behind.

The people affected are the children and families of Okpako Community, a settlement in Ejamah Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, with a population largely made up of indigenes from Gokana, Khana, and Tai Local Government Areas.

The community lacks a functional public school after the existing structure was reportedly vandalised and has become uninhabitable, making quality public education inaccessible to many children.

The challenge has persisted over time and continues to affect children of school age, with residents expressing increasing concern over the lack of intervention.

Okpako Community, Ejamah Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Without a functional public school, children from low-income households cannot access affordable education. Many parents cannot afford the fees charged by private schools, contributing to higher rates of out-of-school children and widening educational inequality.

Why This Matters

Every child deserves an opportunity to learn in a safe and conducive environment. 

A community without access to public education risks higher poverty levels, youth unemployment, child labour, crime, and social exclusion.

For many families in Okpako, education has become a privilege instead of a right. Parents who cannot afford private schools face difficult choices, while children lose valuable years that can never be recovered.

Investing in education is not merely about constructing classrooms; it is about building hope, creating opportunities, and securing the future of the next generation.

A Call to Action

Residents are appealing to the Rivers State Government, the Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Eleme Local Government Council, elected representatives, corporate organisations, and development partners to prioritise the rehabilitation or construction of a modern public primary school in Okpako Community.

Immediate action should include:

• Rebuilding or renovating the vandalised school.
• Providing qualified teachers and learning materials.
• Improving security to protect public infrastructure.
• Ensuring every child in the community has access to free and quality basic education.

Conclusion

The children of Okpako should not be forgotten. Every day without a functional school is another day that dreams are delayed and opportunities are lost.

Providing quality education is not an act of charity—it is a constitutional and moral responsibility. 

The voices of Okpako's children deserve to be heard, and their future deserves urgent attention.

#worldvisioninternational

#childeducation

WELCOME

#tuvanowmedia 

Tuvanow Media is committed to amplifying the silent voices of underage marriage victims across African communities. 

We use powerful storytelling and advocacy campaigns to expose injustices, educate the public, and advocate for policy reforms. 

Partner with us to break the cycle and defend vulnerable girls. Learn more about our initiatives.

Click: https://tuvanowmedia.blogspot.com

#ProtectChildren

#NoToChildMarriage 

#stopunderagemarriage 

#tuvanowmedia

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE: URGENT CALL FOR PEACE AS ELEME AND OKRIKA LAND DISPUTE RAISES FRESH CONCERNS.

The recent communal tension between the Eleme and Okrika communities over disputed land has become a source of growing concern in Rivers State. Reports of unrest have heightened fears among residents, with many calling for immediate intervention to prevent further escalation and protect lives and property.

Clink link and watch video 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17hJYzwASj/

A Brief Historical Background

The Eleme people are one of the indigenous ethnic nationalities in present-day Rivers State, occupying what is now Eleme Local Government Area. The Okrika people, an Ijaw ethnic group, are predominantly found in Okrika Local Government Area and are historically known for their maritime trade, fishing, and rich cultural heritage.

For centuries, both communities have maintained economic and social relationships despite differences over land boundaries and territorial claims. Like many parts of the Niger Delta, questions surrounding ancestral ownership and community boundaries have occasionally led to disagreements.

Notable historical figures connected to the region include King Jaja of Opobo, whose influence extended across the eastern Niger Delta, and Dr. Obi Wali, a renowned nationalist and advocate for justice and peaceful coexistence in Rivers State. Their legacies continue to inspire dialogue, unity, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

A CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION 

The renewed tension demands swift and decisive intervention from relevant authorities before the situation deteriorates further.

The Federal Government of Nigeria should work with the Rivers State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to facilitate dialogue and ensure the protection of lives and property.

The international community, peacebuilding organisations, humanitarian agencies, and development partners are also encouraged to support mediation efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and peaceful resolution.

Religious leaders, youth organisations, women groups, and civil society organisations should continue to encourage restraint, reject violence, and promote peaceful coexistence among the affected communities.

PEACE IS THE  ONLY SUSTAINABLE PATH.

Communal conflicts leave lasting social and economic consequences, destroying lives, disrupting businesses, and slowing development. The people of Eleme and Okrika have far more to gain through peaceful dialogue than through confrontation.

Tuvanow Media urges all parties to remain calm, avoid actions capable of worsening the situation, and allow lawful authorities and respected community leaders to pursue peaceful negotiations.

A lasting solution can only be achieved through dialogue, justice, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace.

PEACE REMAINS THE FOUNDATION for SECURITY, UNITY, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN RIVERS STATE.

The Story

• ス🍌
  

  
  
  
  Share a story about under age marriage 

Save a life 

Save a nation 

Let us protect human race .

Hidden Reality Of Underage Marriage

In many rural communities across Africa, the issue of underage marriage continues to cast a shadow over the future of countless young girls. While childhood should be a time of learning, growth, and opportunity, many girls find themselves burdened with adult responsibilities far too early.

For some, marriage comes before education is completed. For others, early motherhood becomes a reality before they have had the chance to fully understand life and pursue their dreams. The result is often a cycle of hardship that affects not only the young mothers but also their children and the wider community.

Access to education remains one of the most powerful tools for protecting children and empowering young girls. 

When girls stay in school, they are more likely to gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to build independent and successful lives.

Community leaders, parents, educators, and advocacy groups continue to stress the importance of protecting children's rights and creating environments where every child can thrive. Awareness campaigns, educational opportunities, and community engagement are helping to spark important conversations about the long-term impact of child marriage and teenage motherhood.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROTECTING CHILDREN BELONGS TO EVERYONE. 

By supporting education, promoting awareness, and encouraging positive social change, communities can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

At TUVANOW, we remain committed to amplifying stories that matter, highlighting community challenges, and promoting conversations that inspire positive action.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

 

What steps do you think communities can take to reduce underage marriage and support vulnerable children?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS RESPECTFULLY IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.

Category: Child Protection | Human Rights | Community Development

#Child Marriage, #Teenage Motherhood, #Rural Communities, #Children's Rights, #Education, #Social Justice, 

TUVANOW

Every child deserves a childhood, an education, and the freedom to dream. 

TUVANOW EDITORIAL DESK.

SILENT VOICE

In most of African communities, especially the rural areas, where some barbaric cultural practices still held sway.

How can a 

Silent Voices: The Hidden Reality Of Underage Marriage in Rural Communities.

In many rural communities across Africa, the issue of underage marriage continues to cast a shadow over the future of countless young girls. While childhood should be a time of learning, growth, and opportunity, many girls find themselves burdened with adult responsibilities far too early.

For some, marriage comes before education is completed. For others, early motherhood becomes a reality before they have had the chance to fully understand life and pursue their dreams. The result is often a cycle of hardship that affects not only the young mothers but also their children and the wider community.

Access to education remains one of the most powerful tools for protecting children and empowering young girls. When girls stay in school, they are more likely to gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to build independent and successful lives.

Community leaders, parents, educators, and advocacy groups continue to stress the importance of protecting children's rights and creating environments where every child can thrive. Awareness campaigns, educational opportunities, and community engagement are helping to spark important conversations about the long-term impact of child marriage and teenage motherhood.

The responsibility of protecting children belongs to everyone. By supporting education, promoting awareness, and encouraging positive social change, communities can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

At TUVANOW, we remain committed to amplifying stories that matter, highlighting community challenges, and promoting conversations that inspire positive action.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

What steps do you think communities can take to reduce underage marriage and support vulnerable children?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS RESPECTFULLY IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.

Category: Child Protection | Human Rights | Community Development.

#Child Marriage, 

#Teenage Motherhood, 

#Rural Communities, 

#Children's Rights, 

#Education, 

#Social Justice, 

TUVANOW

Every child deserves a childhood, an education, and the freedom to dream.

TUVANOW EDITORIAL DESK.