Saraki Moves To Improve Water Supply in Kwara, Unveils ‘Community Champions’

In a strategic effort to tackle water scarcity and empower young people with practical technical skills, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation has trained and equipped 25 youths across Kwara State with tools for borehole repairs and water system maintenance. Held at the foundation’s office in Ilorin, the beneficiaries drawn from all the 16 local government […]

In a strategic effort to tackle water scarcity and empower young people with practical technical skills, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation has trained and equipped 25 youths across Kwara State with tools for borehole repairs and water system maintenance.

Held at the foundation’s office in Ilorin, the beneficiaries drawn from all the 16 local government areas of the state were presented with certificates and professional repair kits after a two-week intensive training programme.

The initiative, titled Community Water Champions, was facilitated by AFEB Global Ltd.

Speaking at the event, the North Central Project Director of the Foundation, Mallam Musa Aliyu, said the initiative reflected the commitment to practical, people-oriented development.

He stressed that over 120 million Nigerians rely on boreholes for water, and that when these systems fail, the impact on communities, especially in rural areas, is often devastating.

Aliyu explained that by training the 25 participants, the Foundation was not only helping to resolve water supply challenges but also building a local technical workforce that will revolutionise boreholes provisions and repairs in the state.

According to him, the newly trained individuals would now serve as first responders to borehole breakdowns within their localities and have the potential to become employers of labour.

The programme involved academic and hands-on sessions, written and oral assessments, safety training, and extensive fieldwork.

After receiving safety kits, the participants were assigned to real-life borehole renovation and repair tasks across various locations in the state.

Among the field assignments undertaken during the training was the renovation of a hand pump borehole at Kaaba Kajola in Idofian District of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Two boreholes, one hand pump and one motorised, were also repaired at the popular Alanamu Market in Ilorin West.

In Moro Local Government, a hand pump borehole in Ajakitipa, Isale Oja, Shao was rehabilitated. The team also restored an industrial borehole in Ganmo, also in Ifelodun, and carried out repairs at Magaji Are 1 and Magaji Are Primary School, Idi Ape in Ilorin East.

All 25 trainees were presented with certificates of completion and working tools to enable them to begin repairs and maintenance in their local communities immediately.

The Foundation, a non-political and not-for-profit organisation, said this effort is part of its broader mission to offer real solutions to local problems while simultaneously empowering young people with skills that can generate income and create employment.

By investing in water rehabilitation and vocational training, the Foundation is helping to ease water insecurity, foster job creation, and stimulate local economic growth.

Musa Aliyu noted that the programme is more than just a training exercise. According to him, it is a growing movement for both water security and economic empowerment that will leave a lasting legacy in Kwara communities.

With the completion of the training and handover of equipment, the Foundation expressed confidence that the impact of the programme will continue to spread across the state, improving access to clean water one borehole at a time.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the team leader and Lady Governor, Sulyman Halirat Bake, expressed profound appreciation to the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation for the rare opportunity given to them.

She described the training as a life-changing experience that not only equipped them with technical knowledge but also instilled in them a strong sense of responsibility to their communities.

According to her, many of the participants had little or no prior exposure to borehole systems, but now feel confident to handle repairs and contribute meaningfully to solving water challenges at the grassroots in Kwara State.

She said the support provided by the Foundation went beyond the classroom, noting that the provision of repair kits has empowered them to immediately begin work in their various local governments.

Bake assured that the team would live up to expectations and work tirelessly to justify the investment made in them.

She added that with the bond formed among the trainees, they now see themselves as community water ambassadors with a shared mission to improve lives across Kwara State.

“My joy is the impact that this initiative will have on the people. This is very strategic and a very laudable initiative that we are very proud to be part of”, she submitted