The Ijaw and the Itsekiri ethnic nationalities are predominantly occupiers of Delta State's coastal communities. But beyond the difference in their tongues (language), both ethnic groups have in common similar challenges that cut across education, health, poverty, unemployment, pollution, poor infrastructures among others. Yet, internal politics driven by the quest for power to dominate continues to foster acrimony between them and plague their collective development and economic freedom.

And so, when the nongovernmental organisation, the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation (EBF), founded by a native of Gbaramatu Kingdom—Dcn. Ernest Bebenimibo—landed in Itsekiri comminity, Ugborodo, with its Phase 2 Street2School Legacy Project, the message was simple and clear—together we rise, divided we fall!

Schools visited by the EBF Founder and volunteers in the riverine Ugborodo (Ode-Ugborodo) community are Ikpere Secondary School and Ikpere Nursery and Primary School.

The EBF visit to Ugborodo, which marked the second day of its tour around riverine schools in the Warri South-West council area, as with other schools earlier visited, witnessed the giving out of free learning branded materials such as bags, notebooks, and writing materials.

In addition, the Foundation made a special pledge to pay 50 per cent of the school fees of all Primary 6 pupils of Ikpere Nursery and Primary School as a way of encouraging continuity in their education and easing the financial burden on parents.

Expressing her delight, the Vice Principal of Ikpere Secondary School, Faith Idoghor, said, "We are very happy for the Back2School initiative, we really appreciate it. In a time like this and with the economy, you can imagine the stress most parents go through just to be able to afford educational materials for their wards to return back to school. God bless the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation."

Adding his voice, the Councillor representing Ugborodo ward in the Warri South-West LG Council, Hon. Augustine Eyinbor, hailed Dcn. Bebenimibo for standing for and promoting peace between the two ethnic groups through the educational initiative, while he urged parents to always embrace education as a vital tool for development.

He said, "It's very fantastic that people could come. What we actually see here today is very nice and a welcome programme because, like I keep saying, what he has come to do is for peace. We know he actually came because of the children, but all I see here is peace. And on that note, we want him to continue with this kind of gesture.

"Sometimes you meet some parents, they will just tell you they don't want their children to go to school. I tell them that is very wrong. If you want your children to at least have a trade or have business doing, they must have that orientation of writing before they can do the needful. And what is the needful? It's for the children to at least come to school, which is very, very important," he added.

For the EBF Founder, the Phase 2 initiative would not have been possible without the support of sponsors and supporters, as he expressed his gratitude to them.

"The Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation extends profound gratitude to our sponsor, Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi, the General Manager, Operations, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) for his unwavering support and generosity.

"Special thanks also go to the members of the Board of Trustees, Executives, and Volunteers of the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation for their dedication, teamwork, and selfless service throughout the project," Dcn. Bebenimibo said.

View more photos here: 

#penglobalsocial #EBF #Street2SchoolProject #education #Delta