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WaterAid Nigeria has commissioned and handed over water and sanitation projects in three primary schools within Ikorodu North Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The initiative, funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, represents a landmark intervention aimed at addressing water scarcity, curbing open defecation, and preventing waterborne and communicable diseases in schools and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the commissioning held at Zummuratul Islamiyah Primary School, Erikorodo, Ikorodu, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Ms. Evelyn Mere, expressed delight at the successful completion of the projects.
Mere, who was represented by Dr. Adebayo Alao, Head of the WaterAid Lagos office gave a background and capacity of the projects.
Mere said: “This project was designed to provide safe and affordable water, sanitation and hygiene services for 4,500 people, while also improving hygiene behaviours for over 10,000 residents of Ikorodu North.”
Stating further, she said, “In just one year, we delivered solar-powered water systems, gender-friendly sanitation blocks, and rehabilitated toilets across three schools — all of which have transformed daily life for pupils and their communities.”
The Country Director narrated how the project surpassed the original target. “The hygiene campaign alone reached nearly 14,000 people, surpassing our original target. More importantly, we built sustainability into the project by training women as local mechanics, setting up community WASH committees, and equipping schools with health clubs.”
Expressing appreciation to the sponsor of the project and those who facilitated in different capacities, she said, “We deeply appreciate the support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Lagos State Government, and Ikorodu North LCDA. As we hand over these facilities, we urge government and school authorities to ensure their maintenance so future generations can benefit. WaterAid remains committed to ensuring sustainable WASH access in Lagos and beyond.”
The three solar-powered water facilities and four blocks of gender friendly sanitation facilities according to Mere, were constructed and 18 toilet cubicles were rehabilitated across the three schools providing 4,500 people with safe drinking water and hygiene facilities which are also disability friendly.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ukeme Essien of WaterAid West Africa, explained the activities of WaterAid in the West African sub-region.
“WaterAid is in six countries in West Africa: Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Liberia. We are working to ensure good water, sanitation, and hygiene for everyone, everywhere.
“The work that our Country Director and our office in Nigeria are doing is what brought us here today. That is the same thing we are doing across the West African sub-region, and we can’t do it without strong partnerships with government and civil society organisations.
“I want to sincerely appreciate our CSOs and our Country Director. I also appreciate the Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Government Area for the work he has done.
“He has provided the right atmosphere and built on the work of the previous administration, taking it to another level. We look forward to sustaining this so that every school will have good water supply and toilet facilities. I appreciate the WaterAid Lagos team for what they have done so far,” he said.
Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Government Area, Mayor Ameen Ibrahim Apanishile, however expressed gratitude to WaterAid and addressed pupils of the beneficiary schools.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow. We were also told while growing up, and today we are leaders. God will help us to do what we have to do and make the place better,” he said.
Continuing, he said, “We are here to complement what WaterAid Nigeria is doing. I’m ready to work with the organisation and I’ve learned a lot from them.
“WaterAid has empowered our women. We have women trained to work on our water facilities. They will ensure water flows in their environment, and they will be supported for that.
“Maintenance of these facilities will fall under a department. We have been to three different schools today to commission these facilities, and more are ongoing. Ikorodu North is the biggest LCDA in Lagos State, and WaterAid has invested here. I say thank you.”
Hon. Niran Ogunbanwo, a community leader and official of Ikorodu North LCDA, also praised the effort.
“We are here to witness a milestone that speaks to the heart of the community. Access to clean water and sanitation is very important. We all know water is life and it enhances learning for our children, the leaders of tomorrow.
“This facility will meet the needs of the people and reduce the chances of waterborne diseases. I express my profound gratitude to WaterAid Nigeria and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.”
Coordinator of the Female Local Area Mechanics, Mrs. Toyin Odubena, highlighted the role of women in sustaining the facilities.
“I am from Ikorodu North LGA. We have trained female local area mechanics to sustain the facility. We have female mechanics in the CDAs. I’m the coordinator, and the training has been going on in plumbing and maintenance.
“The training is not just for learning. When you train a woman, you train a community. It also gives us another source of income. They targeted women because what a man can do, a woman can do also, and even better.
“We started this training two years ago. We did the practicals, how to connect the solar panel to the borehole and maintain them. We are about 40 across the LCDA, and we are grateful for the opportunity to acquire the skills,” she explained.
WaterAid Nigeria and officials of Ikorodu North Local Government Area had earlier in the day visited Idera Community Primary School and African Bethel Primary School, Erikodoro to commission and handover water facilities and toilet facilities provided for the pupils.
Head Teacher of the Zummitatul Islamiyyah school, Mr. M. M. Adebisi, gave the vote of thanks, acknowledging the consistent presence of WaterAid officers throughout the project.
“I must appreciate Dr. Adebayo Alao of WaterAid Nigeria who visited our school 25 times on this project. Mr. Bankole visited 27 times. Mr. Godfrey visited three times. Madam Ella came twice. I know this because I keep records of their efforts. We thank all of them. God bless you.”
*Report by Dayo Emmanuel
dayomanuel2@gmail.com
