12-year old who hawks ‘pure water’, too afraid to go home after misplacing N450

12-year old Akwa Ibom girl who hawks ‘pure water’ was spotted by THINK AKWA IBOM! news crew crying by the roadside near Udo Umana Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at about 6pm last Tuesday, February 5. 

The girl – she said her name is Iniobong – carrying a 20-litre white plastic container on her head and crying profusely told THINK AKWA IBOM! that she misplaced N450 which was the money she made from the sales of ‘pure water’ (sachet water) for that day, and that she was afraid to go home to her aunt whom she stays with along Nwaniba Road, Uyo.  

Iniobong who claimed she is in primary four at Christ the King Primary School (CKS), Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, said after school hours she goes into the streets to sell ‘pure water’ for her aunt.

Moved by her story, THINK AKWA IBOM! gave Iniobong N500 note and advised her to hurry home.

Editor’s comment: The Akwa Ibom State Government has instituted free and compulsory education to cover primary and secondary education in the oil-rich state so as to take kids like Iniobong off the streets, yet parents and guardians are still pushing their wards into street-trading! Please any idea on what government could do to tackle child labour in Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general?