Residents of Nyaja Davon community in Yorro local government council of Taraba state have expressed gratitude to the Women and Children Health Empowerment Foundation (WACHEF) and ActionAid Nigeria for commissioning key educational and water projects aimed at improving rural welfare. The projects, inaugurated on Thursday, include a renovated block of classrooms, a borehole, and 90 student desks. These initiatives were carried out under the Local Rights Programme, implemented by WACHEF and funded by ActionAid Nigeria to enhance access to quality education and basic social amenities in underserved areas.
Community Appreciation
Community members who spoke with The Guardian described the interventions as timely and impactful, noting that they would complement the Taraba state government's free and compulsory education policy by creating a more conducive learning environment for pupils.
WACHEF's Commitment
WACHEF Programme Officer Wisdom Christopher reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to implementing initiatives that improve the lives of women and children across the state. Founder and Chairman of the WACHEF Board of Trustees, Dr. Garba Danjuma, stated that the organisation has expanded its operations beyond Taraba despite being an indigenous non-governmental organisation, with interventions spanning health, education, and economic empowerment.
“This event is not just about infrastructure; it is about hope, dignity, and opportunity for our children. The project we are commissioning today was implemented under the Local Rights Project, executed by WACHEF and generously funded by ActionAid Nigeria,” he said.
Partnership and Government Support
Dr. Danjuma expressed appreciation to ActionAid Nigeria for its partnership and support, describing it as a demonstration of what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to human development. He also commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his efforts in improving security and education in the state and praised members of the host community for their cooperation throughout the project implementation.
Commissioning the facilities, Taraba state Commissioner for Basic Education, Hajiya Fatima T. Habib, applauded WACHEF for its contributions to education, healthcare, and livelihood development across the state. She also commended the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas for creating an enabling environment for development partners and non-governmental organisations to operate effectively. The commissioner urged residents to take ownership of the projects and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee their sustainability and long-term benefits.
ActionAid's Vision
Also speaking, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, represented by Mr. Kehinde Arowosegbe, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting community-driven development initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable populations. “At ActionAid Nigeria, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives. Every child deserves access to quality education in a safe and conducive environment. We also believe that access to clean water is not a privilege but a fundamental human right,” he said.
Goodwill Messages
In separate goodwill messages, speakers commended WACHEF and ActionAid Nigeria for their sustained commitment to improving the lives of rural communities through impactful development interventions. Overwhelmed by the development, the chairperson of the council, Mrs. Martina Anthony, called on residents to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure their sustainability, while urging other development partners to emulate the efforts of WACHEF and ActionAid Nigeria in promoting safe and conducive learning environments for children in rural communities.
