When the National Association of Burutu Local Government Students (NABLOGS), in conjunction with the Office of the Woman Leader, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Iduwini Clan, and Coordinator of Voice of The Ijaw Girl Child, Comr. Akpobolokemi Tamaramisensene Manna, embarked on a Movement for the Creek Child Development (MCCD) Tour to selected communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, they did not anticipate the sorry state of education that awaited them on their first port of call on Friday, May 8, 2026.

From the King Couple's Waterfront near NPA in Warri, the group of students began their coastal journey to Okibou Zion in Kou Clan, a tour which is in continuation of the ongoing NABLOGS 2026 Educational and Community Development Tour across the eight kingdoms of the Burutu LGA.

According to the student association, the purpose of the school tour which had previously reached communities in Tuomo Kingdom before been extended to Kou Delta Clan and Iduwini Kingdom, was "to sensitize the people on the collective roles individuals, organizations, school authorities, youths, parents, and community leaders can play in achieving sustainable educational and community development within the creek communities."

While that feat was achieved, the student association was however left in awe on the plights of pupils of the only primary school in the clan—Okibou Zion Community Primary School. The situation of the abandoned and badly dilapidated school has made learning impossible, forcing pupils to currently receive lessons inside an abandoned church building instead.

A tour around the school reveals collapsed ceilings, damaged chairs and desks, broken doors and windows, with weeds gradually taking over the building and the learning environment.

Okibou Zion Community Youth President, Comr. Elisha Korufa, revealed that under his leadership several attempts have been made to reverse the situation, but all to no avail. He claimed that the school structure is over 20 years old, and appealed to the state government to erect a new building that will provide staff quarters, library, ICT center, and modern learning facilities like white board and marker that are currently not available.

Also speaking on condition of anonymity, the only community PTA teacher added that one of the current challenges, asides the dilapidated school structure, is the nonavailability of teachers, as those drafted to the school do not stay on the job. He therefore appealed to the government to look into that challenge as well as renovate the school.

Adding their voice to the appeals, the NABLOGS National President, Senr. Comr. Eserimokumor Ebipade Gideon, said the situation is saddening and calls for urgent interventions from relevant stakeholders, government agencies, and good-spirited individuals who should be committed to the advancement of education in riverine communities, which is the main objective of the MCCD tour.

"The disheartened situation of the school calls for the state government under Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Local Government Chairman of Burutu Council, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, and other leaders concerned to see to the urgent need of Okibou Zion Community Primary School. The school is almost covered with unwanted grasses and the roof of the school has fallen," he lamented.

The outreach also featured a Town Hall meeting and educational lectures which brought together community leaders, students, youths, and women to discuss pressing social and developmental issues affecting the community.

Speaking during the programme, Dr. Akamu Emomotimi Enoch delivered an enlightening lecture on the dangers of drug abuse and the need for youths to embrace responsible living. Also, Cynthia Perekebina Gbamuowei, a female coach and advocate, educated participants on the consequences of unplanned pregnancy and the importance of moral discipline and health awareness among young girls.

Comr. Tam Bruno, a former President of NABLOGS and Organizing Secretary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Delta South Chapter, delivered a powerful lecture on community development, emphasizing the importance of education, unity, and active participation as major tools for societal growth and transformation.

According to NABLOGS, "The MCCD Tour continues to stand as a beacon of hope and advocacy for the creek child, promoting education, moral consciousness, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development across Burutu Local Government Area."

A major highlight of the tour was the presentation of learning materials to pupils of Okibou Zion Community Primary School.

View more photos here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18KmNAgbkA/

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