Empowering the Next Generation: Akwa Ibom & Beyond
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.
“There is no tool for development more effective than the education of girls.”
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.
Education is not only about classrooms. It is about confidence. It is about being seen. It is about a young person hearing, often for the first time, that their voice matters.
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.
Inspiring Change
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Inspiring Change 〰️
Essay Writing and Debate Competitions in Ikot Ekpene
Each year, the Purple Tie Foundation brings together approximately 200 students from 20 public secondary schools in Ikot Ekpene for our annual essay writing and debate competitions.
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.
Our long-term vision includes:
Expanding essay and debate competitions to reach more schools
Year-round mentorship for students, especially girls
Leadership and confidence-building workshops
Partnerships with local schools, educators, and community leaders
A growing cycle of students who return as mentors, judges, and supporters
We imagine a future where a girl in Ikot Ekpene wins an essay competition, completes her education, enters a profession she once thought was out of reach, and one day funds a scholarship for the next generation.
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.