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Akodo community in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, on Thursday witnessed the commissioning of a community borehole water project designed to improve access to clean and safe water for residents.
The project emphasised a shared commitment to community-driven and sustainable development delivered through a partnership between Bomarah Foundation and Chanelle Foundation, led by Hajia Bola Muse and Dr. Anire Okogun respectively.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of Bomarah Group, Hajia Bola Muse, described the borehole as a critical intervention that would enhance public health, restore dignity, and improve economic productivity within the community.
“At Bomarah Foundation, our focus is holistic impact – empowering women and youth, supporting persons living with disabilities, and backing practical solutions that strengthen livelihoods. Access to clean water ties all of these together. It is not a privilege; it is a right,” she stated.
Hajia Muse explained that access to potable water would reduce the burden on women and children, improve school attendance, support small businesses, and significantly boost community health outcomes. She added that the borehole represents more than physical infrastructure, describing it as a symbol of dignity, safety, and opportunity for every household in Akodo.
She commended Chanelle Foundation for its belief in local leadership, as well as the engineers, contractors, volunteers, and community leaders whose collective efforts ensured the project’s success.
To ensure sustainability, Hajia Muse announced the establishment of a local Water Committee, a maintenance and contribution system, and periodic water quality checks, assuring continued technical support and training from Bomarah Foundation.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, commended Akodo and neighbouring communities for their long-standing culture of peace, describing it as the foundation for the success of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Free Trade Zone corridor.
She said the rapid infrastructure and economic growth in the area are direct dividends of decades of harmony between host communities, investors, and government, noting that such developments would not have been possible without local cooperation and tranquility.
Meanwhile, Ladoja described the borehole project as a powerful example of collaboration, adding that it would have an immediate and transformative impact on daily life by eliminating long treks for water and easing the burden on women who depend on water for household and business activities.
She equally praised the open and central location of the facility, describing it as safe, accessible, and inclusive.
While applauding Bomarah Foundation and Chanelle Foundation, she described their founders as visionary women whose leadership promotes peace, progress, and foresight.
The law and business expert urged individuals and organisations to emulate their example, stressing that government alone cannot meet the nation’s development needs.
Also speaking, the President of Chanelle Foundation, Dr. Anire Okogun, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the project, which provides the Akodo community with free, clean water for domestic and commercial use.
She admonished residents to take ownership of the facility by using it responsibly, keeping the environment clean, reporting faults promptly, and ensuring inclusive access for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Anire also thanked traditional and religious leaders for their support.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Shafiniyi Yahaya (Oniworlu) and Chief Jacob Alaba Ayodele expressed gratitude to the project sponsors, describing the borehole as timely and impactful, while offering prayers for their continued success.
The event was attended by scores of Akodo residents including youth leaders and religious leaders even as it was equally graced by some Nigerian maritime amazons including; a former Vice President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Mrs. Anna Akpan; a former General Manager, Administration at Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nana Yakubu; former Public Relations Officer, WISTA Nigeria, Sarah Roberts; Managing Director, Kemsconcepts Limited, Mrs. Nkem Egbu and Mrs. Joy Atesegbede.
