GOALPrime Organization Nigeria: Our Commitment to Education in Anka LGA, the Epicenter of Northwest Bandit Operations

• goalprime_gpon
• 09 Feb, 2025
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On February 8th, 2025, GOALPrime Organization Nigeria visited Anka LGA in Zamfara State, the epicenter of bandit operations in Northwest Nigeria, to address the devastating impact of armed violence on education and displaced communities. Our visit, led by our Country Director, Christopher Chinedumuije (PhD, FBU), highlighted GOALPrime’s mission to restore hope and ensure continuous learning for children affected by the ongoing crisis.

We met with the Executive Chairman of Anka LGA, Hon. Bashar Anka, his council members, and the District Heads of Anka LGA, advocating for traditional leaders to take the lead in ensuring that out-of-school children are enrolled and retained in school. Traditional leaders are the bridge between communities and progress, and their role is critical in transforming access to education even amidst violence.

As part of our visit, we toured several schools currently occupied by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from over 40 communities that have been taken over by bandits. We also toured the Palace of the Emir of Anka (Gidan Sariki), now converted into an IDP camp, while the Emir himself has been forced to relocate due to insecurity. These heartbreaking realities remind us why our work is essential.

Despite the high-security risks in Anka, GOALPrime Organization Nigeria, through the Education Cannot Wait First Emergency Response (ECW FER) in partnership with key stakeholders, remains committed to enrolling and retaining over 33,000 out-of-school children and strengthening the education system in Anka LGA. Even in protracted armed violence, every child deserves access to education for their growth and development.

In the words of our Country Director, Dr. Christopher Chinedumuije:

“A better humanity is possible. Our commitment to education here in Anka is not only about providing access to learning but restoring hope to children, families, and communities devastated by violence. Education is the bridge to recovery and stability.”

Hon. Bashar Anka, Executive Chairman of Anka LGA, emphasized:

“Despite the security challenges we face, education remains a key pillar for the future of Anka. We welcome GOALPrime’s unwavering commitment and look forward to working closely to rebuild our communities through education.”

The Anka LGA Education Secretary added:

“Education is the one tool that can reverse the damage inflicted by banditry. Together with GOALPrime, we will ensure our children are not left behind, even in the face of insecurity.”

Through partnerships, advocacy, and direct interventions, GOALPrime Organization Nigeria is dedicated to ensuring that every child in Anka LGA has the opportunity to thrive and build a better future.

Together, we believe in a better humanity.

#GOALPrime #EducationCannotWait #AChildDeservesEducation #HumanitarianResponse #NorthwestNigeria #EducationForAll #IDPResponse #ABetterHumanityIsPossible