In Gbatse, a remote community in Benue State’s Ushongo LGA, a newly launched adult education initiative is transforming lives and restoring hope. The programme, backed by Better Life Initiative in collaboration with Upswing and Revival Prayer Outreach, has enrolled 183 adult learners eager to embrace literacy.
The official inauguration ceremony took place at Gbatse Community Primary School on Thursday, drawing wide participation from residents excited to gain basic education.
Country Director for Upswing, Ms. Maureen Okechukwu, described the community’s enthusiasm as overwhelming.
“The passion for education here is incredible. We didn’t expect such a large turnout,” Okechukwu said.
Gbatse was chosen for its high illiteracy rate and the collaborative spirit shown by local leaders and the traditional ruler, which eased the programme’s rollout.
His Royal Highness, Zakir Zika Pila Jeremiah III, who led the launch, encouraged participants to remain dedicated, noting that education holds the key to unlocking their potential and lifting the community out of poverty.
Apostle Wisdom Ezenyi, the programme’s lead and founder of Revival Prayer Outreach, explained that the initiative evolved from a spiritual outreach into a full-fledged educational movement after recognizing the pressing need for literacy.
He confirmed that classes currently span from primary one to junior secondary three, with plans to extend to senior secondary education.
Thanks to the monarch’s generous donation of school facilities, the programme operates rent-free, enabling wider access.
Additionally, seven adult learners have transitioned into formal secondary schools, with two recently completing Junior WAEC examinations. Several other students also received financial support for tuition and exam fees.
Community elder Baba Ahua Nyagba lauded the organizers for their efforts and pledged full community cooperation.
The initiative has inspired hope throughout Gbatse, with many residents seeing it as a transformative opportunity for long-term change.
