The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) on Friday donated an automated solar-powered community water project and toilet facility to Shadadi LEA Primary School, Kuje, and the Shadadi community in the Kuje Area Council.
The project was commissioned as part of activities marking this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day.
The Chair of the CDD International Governing Council, Comrade John Odah, who led the CDD West Africa management team, urged Nigerian leaders to sustain investments in community and human development.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ call for community service while celebrating Mandela’s legacy of justice, equality and selfless leadership across Africa.
He recalled how workers, civil servants and even students contributed from their earnings to the struggle against apartheid, adding that from Nigeria’s first leader onwards, every successive leader subscribed to the belief that racial superiority in South Africa constituted an act of aggression against all Black people.
“We are happy that the liberation of South Africa happened in our lifetime. The provision of this borehole can be seen as an expansion of that freedom by taking essential facilities to communities that are also excluded,” Odah said.
He said CDD chose a community location instead of only a standalone school to ensure that both residents and pupils would benefit year-round and to minimise vandalism during school holidays.
Odah said the water facility was powered by solar energy to guarantee uninterrupted access despite the persistent electricity supply challenges affecting communities and schools.
“We commend the community and school authorities for agreeing to establish a joint committee to manage and maintain the water facility sustainably.
“CDD also pledges continued community engagement, including exploring partnerships with the school to establish a library that will support learning and responsible citizenship among young people,” he said.
He commended the education authority, community leaders and residents for supporting the project, expressing hope that the initiative would inspire greater local government commitment to grassroots development.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Director of CDD-West Africa, Dr Dauda Garuba, said the project would positively impact the lives of the beneficiaries.
He also said the centre would consider the request by the school and the community for a security fence around the school perimeter.
He further assured them that a small but modern library would also be considered for the school.
In his address, the Head Teacher of the school, Mr Kasimu Abdulrahman Shaba, commended CDD West Africa for donating the solar-powered borehole, describing the project as a demonstration of service, compassion and the preservation of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
“The borehole will provide clean, reliable water, improve sanitation, support school activities and benefit surrounding residents, thereby enhancing health, dignity and overall community well-being,” Shaba said.
He also commended the organisation for renovating the toilet facilities, saying it was an investment in the future of the younger generation’s health and well-being.
While pledging to maintain the facilities, he urged pupils to learn from the act of responsible citizenship and prayed for CDD’s continued growth and greater impact across communities in honour of Nelson Mandela International Day.
He said: “Today is not just a day of celebration; it is a day that reminds us of the power of service, compassion and commitment to humanity. In the spirit of the great leader, Nelson Mandela, whose life was dedicated to justice, equity and improving the lives of others, CDD West Africa has demonstrated the true meaning of community development through this wonderful project.”
In his remarks, the LEA Education Secretary of Kuje Area Council, Mr Yunusa Zakara, appreciated CDD West Africa for providing the facility for the school and the community.
Mr Zakara, represented by the Head of Administration, Mallam Abdulmumin Muhammed, urged the school and the community to maintain the facility in order to encourage further interventions.
A representative of the head of the Shadadi community, Mr Samuel Zechariah, appealed to the school and community members to protect the project.
Speaking on behalf of the pupils, Goodness Isaac expressed appreciation to CDD West Africa for the project.
She highlighted the importance of the automated solar-powered borehole to public health, educational advancement, and enhancing the resilience and progress of the pupils as the country’s future leaders and innovators.
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