WOFAN promotes community development with solar-powered boreholes,renovation of worship centers
As part of the community development initiative of the WOFAN-ICON2 Project, the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has provided solar-powered boreholes and renovated two major mosques at Kwanar Dangora, Bebeji Local Government Area, and in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.
SolaceBase reports that the projects include the joint partnership between the community and the WOFAN ICON2 Project in the construction of toilets at strategic locations like mosques to reduce open defecation, installation of solar-powered boreholes, provision of solar lighting, supply of carpets, and other essential facilities to ease access to safe drinking water and enhance worship and community activities.
Speaking on Friday during the official handover of the completed boreholes and renovated mosques to the respective management committees formed by the communities, WOFAN’s Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, represented by Alhaji Rabiu Sule Garo, urged the committees to ensure proper maintenance and security of the facilities.
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“We are here on behalf of the WOFAN ICON2 project to officially hand over these facilities to you,” he said. “These facilities are provided to improve access to safe drinking water and enhance sanitation, hygiene and promote inclusion and cooperation. Your communities now have solar-powered boreholes, toilets, and worship centres, which will enhance community wellbeing, togetherness and mutual growth. We urge you to take good care of the facilities and protect them against any damage.”
He said each solar-powered borehole is equipped with 21 water points, which will meet the water needs of the communities and their schools.
It will ease the hardship faced by children who were previously prevented from attending school due to water scarcity, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children. And the boreholes will serve the needs of millions of people in the community.
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He also said the worship centres will serve as a central point for travellers and provide services to both the local community and visitors, especially commodity traders visiting the WOFAN marketing hubs.
“Since the worship centres are close to the WOFAN marketing centres, they will benefit farmers and traders by providing access to water, sanitation facilities, and a place for prayers.”
The District Head of Bebeji, Alhaji Yusuf Bayero, thanked the WOFAN- ICON2 project for the gesture, praising the country director for her continuous humanitarian work and bringing a sense of project ownership and maintenance for sustainability.
“On behalf of the good people of Bebeji, I thank the country project Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, for this initiative. We are aware of the great work you have been doing for our people. We pray to Allah to bless you, grant you paradise, and reward you abundantly,” he said.
He further encouraged community members to emulate Dr. Garba’s spirit of mentorship towards economic growth and gender inclusion in all spheres of life.
The Chief Imam of Kafin Mai Yaki Central Mosque, Mallam Ishaq, described the mosque as a historic centre of worship that serves both the local community and visitors, especially traders, due to its location near the weekly market.
He expressed gratitude for the new facilities and prayed for blessings upon WOFAN, Dr. Garba and her family.
In Kura, during the handover of the facilities, the District Head, Alhaji Lami Abubakar Bayero, represented by Alhaji Usman Abdulmalik, also appreciated WOFAN’s Executive Director for her support, praying for the continued growth and global recognition of the organization.
Similarly, the Chief Imam of Imawa Juma’a Mosque, Mallam Sama’ila Dauda, lauded Dr. Garba’s intervention and prayed for Allah’s guidance in all her endeavours.
Community members from both Bebeji and Kura expressed their gratitude for WOFAN’s support, describing the renovations as timely and impactful for their spiritual and social lives.
The main objective of the Community Development Initiative of the WOFAN-ICON2 Project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, is to support communities with interventions, such as the provision of potable water, sanitation facilities, renovation of schools, markets and community centres, to promote community growth and wellbeing.
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