In a significant boost to community health and hygiene, the Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers Hill has officially commissioned a comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project at the Jahi Primary Health Care Centre in the Federal Capital Territory. The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday evening, December 18, 2025.
A Milestone for Hygiene and Sustainable Development
Speaking at the event, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers Hill, Rotarian Adams Oyarekhua, stated that the project was funded through a District 9127 grant from the Rotary Foundation. He emphasized that the club's presence at the health centre underscores its long-term commitment to promoting hygiene, public health, and sustainable community development within the FCT.
Oyarekhua described the Jahi Primary Health Care Centre as the club's adopted community, assuring that Rotary's support would be sustained. The intervention is specifically designed to improve access to clean water and enhance hygiene standards for both patients and staff.
Key Components of the WASH Project
The newly commissioned project features several critical installations aimed at ensuring a reliable and clean water supply. The components include:
- Water reticulation from an overhead tank to toilets and handwashing basins within the facility.
- Installation of an outdoor handwashing sink for public use.
- A tap stand providing free, clean water to the surrounding community.
- A solar-powered borehole that guarantees an uninterrupted water supply and provides 24-hour electricity to the health centre.
Oyarekhua urged the management of the centre to ensure proper maintenance of the installations to secure long-term benefits. He highlighted that Rotary's philosophy is built on continuity, partnerships, and the core principle of 'Service Above Self.'
"Our interventions go beyond water and sanitation," Oyarekhua noted. "We have also supported schools, provided scholarships, and contributed to healthcare delivery here. Even small acts of giving can make a meaningful difference in tackling poverty, hunger, and public health challenges."
Transparency and Comprehensive Support
The Immediate Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Mike Ukachi Nwanoshiri, confirmed that the project was fully implemented in line with the approved district grant. He acknowledged it as one of the district's most challenging projects but confirmed that all funds were utilized transparently and reported properly.
Nwanoshiri detailed that the project focused on three main areas: improving water reticulation, upgrading sanitation facilities, and ensuring a steady water supply via the borehole and overhead tank system. Beyond the infrastructure, the club also donated essential medical and hygiene items to the centre, including:
- Bedding and maternity gowns
- Staff uniforms
- Disinfectants, hand sanitisers, and waste bins
He commended the project's alignment with Rotary's focus area of disease prevention and treatment. Nwanoshiri also echoed the call for diligent maintenance, stating that proper upkeep would encourage future Rotary interventions and ensure sustained health benefits for the community.
Gratitude and a Legacy of Continuity
Mrs. Akpan Idongesit George, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Jahi Primary Health Care Centre, expressed profound gratitude to the Rotary Club. She described the transformation of the facility as remarkable, noting that the improved environment has made it more welcoming and conducive for patients.
The Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers Hill, Oroghene Adia, celebrated the commissioning as a proud moment for himself and the club. He revealed that the project was conceived and its grant application approved during his tenure in the 2024–2025 Rotary year.
Adia expressed satisfaction with the effective execution by the incumbent president and the project committee. "Rotary operates on continuity, where each administration builds on the achievements of its predecessor," he stated. "This seamless transition and completion reflect our club's unwavering commitment to sustainable community service and collective responsibility."
The successful commissioning of this WASH project marks a tangible step towards improving public health infrastructure in the FCT and demonstrates the impactful role of service organizations in driving community development.
