Philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians have been urged to complement the efforts of government in the provision of basic amenities to underprivileged communities across the country.
The Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ahmed ‘Lanre Abdullateef, made the appeal at the weekend during the commissioning of a borehole water project in Agbabiaka Descendants Community, Gaa Akanbi area of Ilorin.
The project was donated by a Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organisation, the Azeezat Olubukola Shinaba Foundation.
Abdullateef emphasized the importance of collaboration between private individuals, NGOs, and government institutions to bridge infrastructure and welfare gaps in underserved communities.
According to him, while the government continues to play its role, the involvement of philanthropists and corporate bodies is crucial to addressing the overwhelming and often insatiable needs of the people.
“Governments at all levels cannot do it alone. The needs of communities are numerous, but when we all lend a hand, we can make a meaningful difference,” he said.
The NUJ chairman also lauded the foundation for its timely intervention and urged the Agbabiaka community to ensure proper maintenance and responsible use of the water facility.
He called on other NGOs and philanthropists to emulate the gesture by extending similar support to other communities in dire need of basic infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Azeezat Olubukola Shinaba Foundation, Mahmood Olayinka Alaya, noted that the foundation was established in memory of the late Hajia Azeezat Olubukola Shinaba, who passed away earlier this year.
He described her as a lifelong humanitarian who was deeply passionate about alleviating the sufferings of the less privileged.
Alaya explained that since its inception, the foundation has embarked on several impactful projects both in Lagos and Ilorin, and has plans to do more.
He disclosed that the next phase of their intervention in the Agbabiaka community would involve transforming the existing dilapidated bathroom facility into a modern and hygienic one.
“Our aim is to continue the legacy of compassion and service that Hajia Azeezat Olubukola Shinaba embodied. This water project is just one of many initiatives we intend to undertake to improve the quality of life in communities like Agbabiaka,” Alaya added.
A representative of the Agbabiaka community, Mr. Ajani Musa Olanrewaju while speaking at the commissioning ceremony, expressed profound gratitude to the foundation.
He noted that the borehole project would significantly reduce the hardship experienced by residents, especially elderly women, in accessing clean water.
“This project will go a long way in easing the daily struggles of our people, particularly our aged mothers who often walk long distances in search of water. We are deeply grateful to the foundation for this life-changing intervention,” he said.
The event was attended by community leaders, foundation members, and residents who came out in large numbers to witness the commissioning and celebrate the positive change brought to their community.
