Our Work in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
The Purple Tie Foundation’s work in Nigeria is centred in Akwa Ibom State, specifically the Ikot Ekpene region. While our founders were raised abroad, Akwa Ibom has always been home in a deeper sense. Through family, culture, and community ties, we carry a responsibility to invest where opportunity has too often been unevenly distributed.
Akwa Ibom is part of Nigeria’s South-South region, a minority area that is frequently under-resourced despite its talent, creativity, and resilience. Our work begins here because this is where belief, access, and encouragement can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Why Education, and Why Girls
Across Nigeria, access to education remains deeply unequal. According to UNICEF, one in every five out-of-school children globally lives in Nigeria, with the greatest disparities affecting rural and low-income communities. Secondary school completion rates drop sharply for students from poorer households, and girls are disproportionately impacted.
For girls in particular, the barriers are layered. Economic pressure, caregiving responsibilities, and social expectations often push their education aside first. At Purple Tie, we believe that investing in girls is not optional. It is foundational.
Essay Writing and Debate Competitions in Akwa Ibom State
Each year, the Purple Tie Foundation brings together students from over 20 government secondary schools across Akwa Ibom State.
We design experiences where students are challenged to think critically and articulate their ideas in front of peers, educators, and community members.
We are building systems young people can return to as they grow.
In Season 6 alone, ₦4.3 million was raised and invested toward students' education, and desktop computers were donated to 62 schools across the state. We are six seasons in and still building.
We imagine a future where a girl from Akwa Ibom wins a competition, completes her education, and one day funds the next generation herself.
In photo: Neriah, Victoria, and Moriah Otu (L-R)
Victoria Inyang-Otu is the heart of the Purple Tie Foundation and the constant inspiration for our work. As the founder of VIKEM Homes, she made history as the first Black female builder in her industry in Canada. Beyond her success in business, she has a huge heart and constantly pours into her community and helps those around her. She taught us that we have the power to change the world, and we want every girl to feel that same confidence in herself. Women are the foundation of our society, and we believe every young woman is strong and capable of achieving great things.