The Star Who Freed Ibie

By Umoru Hikmah Aluayeh, Ibienafe Secondary School

Age: 16

In a lively village called Ibie, the sweet songs of birds and the crowing of cocks signaled a new, blessed day. The villagers were hardworking — the elderly folks rested in their huts, while the men went to the farms or attended to their various occupations. The women were busy cooking, working, and taking care of their children, while the kids helped their mothers; some were playing and joyfully acting “mummy and daddy.” The youths were engaged in clearing grasses and cleaning gutters, contributing to the village’s well-being.

However, despite this peaceful coexistence, the villagers faced a daunting challenge. The absence of an educated villager had allowed a wealthy and arrogant Chief to deceive them, imposing taxes on every aspect of their lives. The villagers were forced to pay taxes on water, food, and shelter, leaving them with little to survive on.

The main challenge was that accessing the only village school required walking a long distance, as it was several miles away in a neighboring village. Although the school fees were not excessively high, many parents still struggled to afford them for their children.

One young girl, Ochuwa, refused to let these circumstances define her. Despite her parents’ financial struggles, they encouraged her to attend school, doing everything they could to support her education. Every day, she would trek to school on an empty stomach, but her spirit remained unbroken.

The first day Ochuwa attended school, she had a dream — not an ordinary dream, but a vision. She believed that education would be the key to her success and to the freedom of her village. Every night, she would write her dreams on her palms, and every morning, she would read them aloud as she trekked to school. She would say:

“I can be the best version of myself if I remain hardworking and dedicated to my studies. I will bring an end to the Chief’s taxes, and I will be the star who breaks the painful burden off my village.”

Ochuwa turned her vision into her mission and made her dream a reality. She worked tirelessly while still helping her parents with household chores. Years later, she earned a scholarship to study Law and Economics at the University of Ibadan. She was determined to use her knowledge to free her village from the Chief’s tax.

After graduating with a first-class degree, she returned to her village, full of knowledge and determination to challenge the corrupt system. The villagers, who had been oppressed for so long, stood behind Ochuwa in protest. They wanted justice and fairness.

The corrupt Chief was brought to trial, and Ochuwa presented her case with great confidence. Using her knowledge of the law, she argued for the villagers’ rights. Luckily, the court ruled in their favor, and the Chief was rendered powerless. A new, fair system was put in place, and the villagers were finally able to live without the burden of excessive taxation.

Ochuwa’s dream had come true — she had become the star who broke the burden off her village.

The villagers celebrated, and Ochuwa’s parents were proud. They knew that their daughter’s determination had changed their lives for the better.

Many years later, Ochuwa became a renowned leader. She established a school in Ibie, providing quality education to future generations. The village prospered, and the Chief learned to serve the people, not just himself.

Ochuwa’s story is inspiring because it teaches us that with determination, hard work, and a clear vision, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness. As Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”