In the labyrinthine creeks of Nigeria’s Niger Delta, where waterways carve through dense mangroves and communities thrive amidst environmental hardships, a simple act of generosity can spark profound change. This week, Captain A.O. Awarun, the Officer in Charge (OC) of Benikrukru Community, stepped forward with a heartfelt donation of books and writing materials to Oboro Primary and Secondary Schools in Benikrukru Town, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State. Far from a mere handout, this initiative underscores the vital role of education in empowering remote riverine areas, fostering peace, and driving sustainable development. As smiles lit up the faces of pupils and community leaders alike, it became clear that such grassroots efforts are building bridges in a region long plagued by challenges.
Gbaramatu Kingdom, nestled between the Forcados and Benin Rivers along the Escravos River and its adjoining creeks, is a historic Ijaw enclave with roots tracing back to 1372. This coastal domain, part of Warri South-West Local Government Area, encompasses vibrant settlements where the people have maintained their traditions independently of colonial or modern governmental interventions. Long before British influence reached the Niger Delta, Gbaramatu flourished under its own monarchs, with a lineage of Peres (kings) preserving Ijaw culture amid the oil-rich wetlands. Today, Oporoza serves as its heartbeat, a town steeped in rituals and resilience, symbolising the kingdom’s enduring spirit. Yet, this beauty belies the struggles: oil exploration has brought pollution, economic disparities, and militancy, often sidelining education in favour of survival.
The donation event, captured in vivid photographs, unfolded with Captain Awarun handing over stacks of books, notebooks, and other essentials to eager schoolchildren.
GbaramatuVoice | Voice of the Niger Delta on X: “PHOTOS: Nigerian Army Officer Champions Education Support in Gbaramatu Kingdom A Nigerian Army officer, Captain A.O. Awarun, serving as the Officer in Charge (
Accompanied by community stalwarts like Engr. Michael Tonlagha, the ceremony drew residents who praised the officer’s foresight. “The gesture was part of his personal and professional commitment to community development,” noted reports from the scene, emphasising education’s role as “a vital tool for empowerment, peacebuilding, and sustainable growth.” Pupils posed proudly with their new materials, a stark contrast to the daily hurdles they face. In one image, uniformed soldiers stand alongside students, symbolising unity in a historically tense area.
Education in Niger Delta’s riverine communities is fraught with obstacles that exacerbate inequality. Children often paddle canoes through treacherous waters to reach school, a perilous journey that deters attendance and exposes them to risks. Surveys highlight stark gaps: riverine areas lag behind non-riverine zones in enrolment due to inaccessible infrastructure, teacher shortages, and environmental degradation. Militancy has compounded this, disrupting schools and fostering youth restiveness amid unemployment. In Gbaramatu, like many oil-bearing locales, inadequate facilities and a dearth of resources mean learning environments are far from conducive. Geoscience education, crucial for understanding local ecology, faces implementation barriers in these rural coastal zones. Socio-economic issues, including poverty and oil spills, further hinder progress, leaving generations without the tools to break cycles of deprivation.
Captain Awarun’s act is more than symbolic; it’s a catalyst for change. By targeting Oboro schools, he addresses immediate needs while promoting military-civilian harmony in a region scarred by past conflicts. The Niger Delta has seen violence rooted in marginalisation, but initiatives like this rebuild trust. Community leaders’ commendations echo a broader sentiment: education empowers youth, reducing vulnerability to militancy and fostering peace. As Engr. Tonlagha highlighted, such support enhances learning opportunities, aligning with calls for functional education to combat restiveness. Commentators note that protecting schools and providing jobs could stem insecurity, with environmental education playing a key role in sustainable development.
Group photo of Captain Awarun, students, and community members during the donation ceremony.
This donation resonates beyond Benikrukru, inspiring similar efforts across the Delta. Recent reports of army units donating thousands of books elsewhere signal a growing trend of armed forces engaging in civil-military operations. Yet, systemic solutions are needed: better infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and policies addressing riverine-specific challenges. As climate change intensifies environmental pressures, integrating adaptation strategies into curricula becomes imperative.
In Gbaramatu, where traditions endure against odds, Captain Awarun’s gesture offers hope. It reminds us that education is the bedrock of progress, turning potential militants into community builders. As pupils flip through their new books, envisioning brighter futures, one can’t help but feel optimistic. More such collaborations could transform the Niger Delta from a zone of conflict to one of opportunity. For now, in the quiet creeks of Benikrukru, knowledge flows as freely as the rivers.
