Children Deserve Safety Too: How One Schoolgirl's Ordeal Inspired MMAB Foundation's Mission to Protect Rural Schoolchildren
For every child, school should be a place of learning, hope, friendship, and opportunity—not a place where their safety is at risk. Sadly, for one young girl in a rural community, an ordinary school day turned into a terrifying experience that highlighted the dangers many children still face in their pursuit of education.
During the recent Sallah holiday, Barrister Stella Avosuahi Bello learned of a heartbreaking incident involving a schoolgirl who was reportedly bitten by a snake while trying to access her school. The child's determination to attend school despite the challenges left a lasting impression on her.
"The story broke my heart," Barrister Stella Bello said. "Our children already face enough obstacles in their pursuit of education. No child should have to put their life at risk simply because they want to learn."
Moved by the incident, Barrister Stella Bello transformed compassion into action through the Moses Mary Abu Bello Family Foundation (MMAB Foundation). Under its 'Children Deserve Safety Too' campaign, the Foundation has completed and handed over a newly constructed two-in-one toilet facility at Eyindudu Primary and Secondary School.
While the structure may appear modest, its significance extends far beyond bricks and mortar. For the pupils and students who will use it every day, it represents safety, dignity, improved hygiene, and the reassurance that their wellbeing truly matters.
The project was dedicated to the cherished memories of Hajiya Hawawu Oziohu and Hajiya Rabiat Bello, whose lives were defined by compassion, generosity, and selfless service to humanity.
Barrister Stella Bello also acknowledged the inspiration drawn from His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, whose longstanding commitment to humanitarian service and community development continues to encourage meaningful interventions that improve lives.
"Leadership is not merely about the positions we occupy," she said. "It is about the lives we impact and the opportunities we create. Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, healthy, and dignified."
Across many rural communities, the lack of adequate sanitation facilities continues to expose schoolchildren to preventable health risks, unsafe conditions, and unnecessary hardship. Though these challenges often receive little public attention, they remain a daily reality for countless children striving to receive an education.
The completion of the new toilet facility at Eyindudu Primary and Secondary School marks an important step toward addressing these challenges and creating a more conducive learning environment.
For Barrister Stella Bello, the project is proof that lasting change begins when individuals choose not to ignore the needs within their communities.
"One project alone cannot solve every challenge facing our children," she noted. "But every meaningful transformation starts with a single step. If each of us contributes in whatever way we can, together we can build safer schools, healthier communities, and brighter futures for our children."
The MMAB Foundation described the initiative as Phase One of a broader commitment to improving the safety, welfare, and educational environment of children in underserved communities. The Foundation also expressed appreciation to the community leaders, school authorities, volunteers, workers, and supporters whose collective efforts made the project a reality.
Today, as the children of Eyindudu walk through their school gates, they do so with greater confidence, dignity, and security.
Because protecting every child today is an investment in building stronger communities and a brighter tomorrow.
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