A remarkable feat was achieved in Delta State over the weekend, as boys and girls embarked on a 70-kilometre walk from Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area to Asaba in Oshimili South Council Area, completing it in approximately 12 hours.
Out of the 41 participants, supported by security agents including police and road safety officials who set out from Agbor at 5 a.m., thirty-seven successfully arrived at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba at 4:57 p.m. They were met with a rapturous welcome from spectators and stakeholders, including the Desert Warrior, Chief Newton Jibunoh, who notably travelled from Nigeria to Europe through the desert years ago on a motorbike.
This landmark event marked the maiden edition of the Hope Unites 2025 – Walkathon and Event, an awareness campaign segment of Fostering Hopes Foundation, a non-governmental organisation committed to tackling the issue of child separation.
“Child separation in Nigeria is a very common and serious issue. It has unfortunately harmed millions of children and youths in Nigeria. Embedded in our culture, it sometimes has positive aspects but also negative consequences. We aim to support families to explore options that prevent them from sending their children away, exposing them to potential abuse,” said Nkechi Ukome, Founder and Coordinator of the Foundation, during the reception for the participants.
Speaking about the challenges encountered along the route, the Canada-based humanitarian remarked, “There were 41 walkers in total, and 37 of them, including us, managed to complete the walk. It was a huge success. At the end, they appeared depleted, and I felt somewhat guilty for putting them through such a taxing experience.
“But I’m incredibly grateful for their determination. We even suggested they rest in the ambulance or bus, but they insisted on finishing. I truly admire their perseverance and endurance.”
One of the participants, Alimatsu, shared her experience: “It was hard, but I was determined to finish and make my coach and parents proud.”
While honouring the participants of the marathon walk, the Founder outlined the foundation’s mission to give back to society by supporting vulnerable families in the best interest of the child.
She stated, “We began this journey in 2024 by registering the Foundation. By October 2024, we supported three families with business grants and starter packs, placing 11 children from these families on scholarships that cover their education until they complete secondary school.
“By January 2025, we added three more families, providing each with business grants of ₦250,000 while placing eight children from these families on similar scholarships. This brings our humanitarian support programme to six families and 19 children.
“Many children become vulnerable due to family circumstances or decisions made by their parents. Often, they are sent to live with distant relatives in hopes of a better future but end up abused, exploited, or even becoming children in conflict with the law.
“This is detrimental to the wellbeing of the child, who has a right to protection and development into a responsible citizen with obligations to their country.
“It was for this reason the Federal Government enacted the Child Rights Act of 2003, which Delta State domesticated in 2008 as the Delta State Child Rights Law. These laws reflect international demands for children’s rights, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, a regional instrument addressing issues vital to African children.”
Chairman of the occasion, Chief (Dr) Newton Jibunoh, the Desert Warrior, commended Nkechi Ukome for organising the event and the participants for their remarkable achievement, describing the 70-kilometre walk as beyond human imagination.
He encouraged the participants to continue exploring the world as he did 50 years ago during his expedition to Europe.
The royal father of the day, HRM Obi Agbogidi Nduka, monarch of Issele Uku Kingdom, congratulated the organisers for raising awareness for the vulnerable when he received the walkers midway at Issele Uku.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to Walkathon participants and other dignitaries.
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