By Michael Adesanya/Abeokuta
Respite came the way of two communities in Abeokuta after many years without access to adequate water supply, when two borehole built for them by an indigene was commissioned.
The boreholes, commissioned on Saturday by the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Sabur Babajide Bakre, were donated to Oke-Ido and Iwo communities of Gbagura Kingdom by Mr. Adeshina A. Keshinro, a Canada based philanthropist.
Some of the dignitaries at the ceremony, included Chairman Ogun Free Trade Zone (OGUN GUNADONG), Nasir Isiaka; representative of Alake of Egbaland, Sunday Oduntan; Alhaji Adio Bayewunmi, Chief Yusuf Eweje and Mr. Toheeb Adeniran.
Speaking during the commissioning, Oba Bakre who was elated by the water projects, said the projects would relieve the people of the areas of hardship faced due to lack of adequate water supply.
The Agura explained that one of the things that made him joyous at the occasion was the location of one of the boreholes, which he said was at the main road, calling other sons and daughters of Gbagura to emulate the kind gesture of Keshinro.
He therefore urged the people to ensure they maintain the facility properly for the benefit of generations coming after them.
The monarch however inaugurated a committee to maintain the boreholes.
Isiaka, who commended the donor, stressed that government cannot do it alone hence well meaning Nigerians must continue to support the government in the area of provision of social amenities for the people.
He added that it was now left for the people to maintain it, saying maintaining the projects would encourage the donor to do more.
Oduntan stated that the project would go a long way in moving the communities forward, saying the Alske was very happy with project.
Speaking to newsmen after the commissioning, the Donor said he embarked on the project in order to give back to the communities where he grew up.
Keshinro, who revealed that the two projects run into over two million naira, said water supply is very essential.
He disclosed that the Agura of Gbagura had told him to contribute to the construction of a medical centre, assuring that he would he would contribute fully to the project.
The Chairman of Ido Ifesokan CDA, Mrs Aminu Monsurat thanked the donor for the kind gesture, saying the boreholes have solved problems of water supply they have been facing.
Her words: “I am really happy with the projects. Water supply is our major problem and I am happy that our problem is gone now with these ( boreholes).
” We are going to use it well for our advantage and support the committee to maintain the boreholes”.