Ogun State Muslim Council has lauded the Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation for its initiative in ensuring provision of potable water for Ilenikuwa Community, a rural area in Abeokuta North Local Government Area
President-General of the council and Olowu of Owu-Kingdom Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola who gave commendation on Sunday during the commissioning of the solar powered Water project at Saint Patrick's RCM Nursery and Primary School, also charged all those entrusted with the management of the nation's public resources to emulate the example of the foundation by ensuring proper utilization
"I must offer heartfelt commendation to the *Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF). The Foundation's scientific and technical management of the resources entrusted to it has made it a standout and trustworthy organization in the utilization of public funds for humanitarian purposes. This success offers a vital lesson in accountability: I charge all those entrusted with the management of the nation's public resources to emulate this example", he charged
Skillful and transparent management of financial resources according to the monarch, is the only sure path to equitable distribution of wealth and the overall sustainable development of the nation.
The President-General of the State Muslim Council represented by Vice President-General , Alhaji Alli Ajibode equally urged people of the community to ensure proper management and protection of the water facility while asking the foundation to work closely with the community to ensure proper maintenance of the facility
To the good people of Ilenikuwa, I charge you to ensure the proper management and protection of this valuable water facility. You know better than anyone the challenges you faced before this provision was made available. Do not let this gift fall into disrepair due to negligence or poor handling.
The Ogun State Co-ordinator of the foundation, Alhaji (TPL.) Rahman Kewulere Anifowose described access to clean and safe water as not a luxury but a right granted to every human being by the Almighty, hence the need for execution of the solar powered water project for the rural community by the foundation
Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation according to him, was established to institutionalize compassion to transform faith-based giving into sustainable development including provision of relief and empowerment for vulnerable and underserved communities, supporting education, health, and livelihood projects,promoting social justice, dignity, and shared prosperity
The State Co-ordinator of the foundation explained that the decision to invest in the provision of clean water system was
not just to provide the facilities but to ensure better sanitation, improved health outcomes, increased school attendance — especially for girls and ensure economic empowerment through saved time and better well-being
Alhaji (TPL.)Anifowose added that the similar solar-powered water project in Ilenikuwa Community in Abeokuta North Local Government Area was earlier done
at Imasayi community in Yewa North LGA, saying the impact of the project has been immediate and transformative for households, schools, and local commerce.
He maintained that the objectives of the water facility in the Ilenikuwa Community was to reduce water-borne diseases linked to unsafe water sources, provide a reliable and renewable source of water all year round, alleviate hardship for women and children who trek long distances to fetch water
"Dear students, from today onward — more time can be spent in the classroom learning and sooner, you all become the leaders in our dear nation, it is our hope that this gesture will transform minds to positive National development.
To the mothers, fathers, and farmers of the community — your daily burden on water has been eased" , he stated
"We extend our deepest gratitude to:
The donors whose Zakat and Sadaqah contributions made this possible both from home and abroad.The community volunteer groups who supported planning and construction of this project.
The engineers and technical partners for delivering high-quality works despite the challenges", he added
The State Co-ordinator on behalf of the
Executive Director of Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation, Prince Sulaiman Olagunju, a nine member committee for maintenance of the water facility
The committee headed by Headteacher of Saint Patrick's RCM Nursery and Primary, has eight other members including Mr Nureni Olabode chairman SBMC, Pa. Bakare Hassan PTA chairman , Mrs. Abibat Bello (Women head), Alfa Harun Alimi (Ogbun village), Mr. Dimion Samuel (Ilenikuwa), Alfa Soliu Useni (Fulani Yagi village) , Alfa Kadiri Abubakar (Fulani Oke-Apata) and Mr. Funso Obi (Ilenikuwa)
The Executive Director of the foundation represented by Dr. Lukmon Adefuye expressed excitement over the solar powered Water facility in the rural community, saying Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation, since it was established 25 years ago has the presence of its physical projects in 28 states across Nigeria
The Executive Director expressed confidence that the water facility would alleviate the sufferings of the people in the Ilenikuwa Community, while assuring that the foundation would continue to do more and extend its presence to the entire 36 States in the country
Similarly, Patron of the foundation and Secretary-General of the State Muslim Council, Asiwaju Kamal'deen Akintunde said that the provision of water facility would reduce cases of water-borne diseases and ensure healthy living
Asiwaju Akintunde who commended the foundation for the water project initiative, emphasized the need for people in the community to take possession of the water facility by ensuring proper maintenance of the water facility
Head teacher of Saint Patrick's RCM Nursery and Primary School in the Ilenikuwa Community, Mr. Babatunde Ahmed Thanni was full of excitement, appreciating Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation for the provision of the water facility which according to him, has addressed the major challenge of potable water in the rural community and it's environs
Two of the members of the alumni association of the school, Daud Yekeen who finished in 1976 and Fatal Akande popularly known as Ilenikuwa, appreciated the Headteacher and the foundation for facilitating the water facility and solving the water problem in the community
The event was spiced with cultural dance performance by the pupils of the school
High point of the event was the official commissioning of the solar-powered water facility by the President-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council and Olowu of Owu-Kingdom represented by the Vice President-General, Alhaji Alli Ajibode
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