Footprints of hope: Mr AKISAN launches shoe drive for Akwa Ibom school children

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. (AKISAN), through its reigning Mr AKISAN 2025/2026, Idoteyin Umana, has launched a humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting school children in Akwa Ibom State with footwear to enhance their educational experience and well-being.

The initiative, tagged “Footprints of hope – Shoe drive for Akwa Ibom children,” is designed to provide over 662 pairs of shoes to pupils in selected primary schools across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The project is being executed with the support of the AKISAN Metro Detroit Chapter, family members, friends, and other supporters of Mr AKISAN, as part of Umana’s Community Development Project for the 2025/2026 service year.

According to the organisers, the scheme seeks to address the challenges faced by many school children who trek long distances barefoot to school daily, exposing them to injuries, infections, and social stigma.

Among the schools selected to benefit from the first phase of the outreach are St. John’s Primary School, Ikot Ayan Itam in Itu Local Government Area; St. James African Church Primary School, Okopedi Itiam in Uyo Local Government Area; Holy Child Catholic Primary School, Nung Udoe Itak in Ikono Local Government Area; and QIC Primary School, Okon Town in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

The official presentation exercise is scheduled to commence on Tuesday at James African Church Primary School, Okopedi Itiam, Uyo Local Government Area.

Speaking on the initiative, the organisers stressed the importance of supporting children with basic educational needs, noting that access to footwear goes beyond comfort and directly impacts school attendance, confidence, and health.

“Many children in Akwa Ibom State still walk long distances to school without shoes, exposed to injury, infection, and shame,” the statement read.

It added that the initiative aims to restore dignity and confidence to vulnerable children while encouraging them to remain committed to their education.

“When a child has shoes, they walk taller. They stay in school. They believe they belong there,” the organisers stated.

They explained that the project is expected to cover 10 schools spread across the state’s three senatorial districts, with fundraising efforts ongoing to expand the outreach and reach more children in underserved communities.

The organisers further appealed to public-spirited individuals, corporate organisations, and members of the Akwa Ibom diaspora community to partner with them in sustaining the initiative.

According to them, every contribution made toward the project will help a child remain in school and improve their self-esteem.

Interested supporters and organisations seeking further information or willing to partner with the organisers were advised to contact the project team.

Observers have described the initiative as a commendable intervention capable of improving the welfare of school children and complementing efforts aimed at promoting access to quality education in Akwa Ibom State.

The “Footprints of hope” project is expected to bring relief and renewed hope to hundreds of children, especially those from low-income families, while reinforcing the spirit of compassion and community service among Nigerians in the diaspora.