Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club provides water to Dutsepe community

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Residents of Dutsepe community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have regained access to clean and potable water following the rehabilitation and commissioning of a 40,000-litre solar-powered borehole by the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, President of the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club, Lion Hadiza Abutu-Ibrahim, described the project as the club’s signature humanitarian intervention for the 2025/2026 service year, noting that it was undertaken after a needs assessment revealed the hardship faced by residents, particularly women and children, in accessing safe drinking water.

According to her, the borehole, which had remained abandoned and non-functional for about 15 years despite being a government intervention, was rehabilitated through funds raised by the club alongside support from the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

“When we came here for a needs assessment, we saw women and children trekking long distances and buying water from vendors. That inspired us to intervene. Today, we are happy that this 40,000-litre solar-powered borehole is functional once again,” she said.

Abutu-Ibrahim disclosed that the club mobilised about N9 million locally, while LCIF provided additional financial support towards the project.

She said the club had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the district head of the community to guarantee proper maintenance of the facility through a community monitoring committee, while members of the Lions Club would conduct periodic inspections.

Representing the District Governor, Lion Pastor Ezekiel Umoh, the Second Vice District Governor, Lion Charlz Opusunju, said the project was sited in Dutsepe after a comprehensive needs assessment identified access to potable water as one of the community’s major challenges.

“Water is life. Providing water is giving life to the people. That is why we prioritised this intervention,” he stated, adding that Lions Clubs always conduct needs assessments before embarking on projects.

Also speaking, Charter President and Past District Governor, Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi, described the rehabilitated borehole as “a lasting testament to compassion in action,” stressing that the project reflects the club’s commitment to improving lives through humanitarian service.

She noted that Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club has, over its 16-year existence, donated 10 boreholes to underserved communities across the FCT, including Kado and Tunga Maje.

According to her, the club has also put in place a sustainability plan that includes routine maintenance visits every six months, while designated community representatives would promptly alert the club whenever repairs become necessary.

Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. Joshua Musa, who commissioned the project, commended the Lions Club for choosing Dutsepe community, describing access to clean water as one of humanity’s greatest needs.

“This is the first project I am commissioning since assuming office, and I couldn’t have chosen a better one because water is life. By bringing clean water to this community, you have won my heart, and I assure you of the council’s partnership in future humanitarian interventions,” he said.

The District Head of Dutsepe Community, His Royal Highness Shawo James, expressed gratitude to the Lions Club and pledged that the community would safeguard the facility.

He disclosed that a committee would be constituted to oversee the operation and maintenance of the borehole to ensure it serves both present and future generations.

Also speaking, Secretary of the Project Team, Lion Udo Udo Nse, said the intervention was informed by reports of the community’s poor access to clean water and its negative impact on hygiene and public health.

He assured residents that the Lions Club would continue to monitor the facility in partnership with community leaders to ensure its sustainability.