By Esther Onyegbula

Residents of Itunpate area, opposite Eluku House in Ikorodu, Lagos, have received a major boost in access to clean water following the commissioning of a borehole project by Ikorodu Golden Lions Club, District 404A3 Nigeria.

The project, unveiled by the District Governor, Lion Mary Onu, alongside the President Ikorodu Golden Lions Club, Oluwatimileyin Ibrahim and other notable dignitaries is aimed at addressing the long-standing water challenges in the community and improving the wellbeing of residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

Speaking at the event, Onu described the project as life-changing, noting that access to clean water remains fundamental to human survival.
“He who brings water brings life,” she said. “To have this water here and see people coming to fetch it is heartwarming. I saw the joy on the faces of the people, including elderly women who came from far and near. This project is truly impactful.”

She explained that the initiative forms part of broader humanitarian efforts by Lions Clubs across the district, which currently comprises 58 clubs executing various community projects.

“We are not only focusing on water projects. Across the district, we are commissioning toilets in schools, renovating libraries and undertaking several interventions that reflect our commitment to service,” she added.

On sustainability, the District Governor urged residents to take ownership of the facility to ensure its longevity.

Appreciating the community, the President Ikorodu Golden Lions Club,
Lion Oluwatimilehin Ibrahim Abayomi said: “We are grateful to the community for allowing this project. However, its maintenance is their responsibility. If well managed, it can attract more developmental projects,” he said.

Also speaking, Secretary of Ikorodu Golden Lions Club, Ibidunni Sikiru Adebayo, disclosed that the project, which took about seven months to complete, was inspired by the hardship faced by residents in accessing water.

“Today being May 1, Workers’ Day, we decided to commission this project as part of our humanitarian service. The idea came when we observed how residents, including an elderly woman of about 89 years, struggled to pay for water,” Adebayo said.

“That moment was touching. It became clear that something had to be done. We brought the issue to the club, and members immediately supported the initiative.”
He noted that even during the drilling phase, residents had begun to benefit from the water source, offering prayers and expressing appreciation to the club.
“The turnout today shows how much this project means to the people. It has brought relief, especially to the elderly,” he added.

In his remarks, the incoming Secretary for the 2026/2027 Lions Year, Lookman Olanrewaju Agbetoba, said the project aligns with the core principles of Lionism, which centres on service to humanity.
“We assessed the needs of this community and discovered that water was a critical challenge. By providing this borehole, we are not only meeting a basic need but also enhancing safety by reducing the risks associated with crossing busy roads to fetch water,” he said.

Agbetoba further emphasised the importance of sustainability, stressing that while the club may continue to support the project, the community must take primary responsibility for its upkeep.
“This is just the first phase. We plan to improve the power supply for the facility over time, but its protection and maintenance largely depend on the users,” he said.

Residents who turned out in large numbers expressed gratitude to the Lions Club, describing the project as long overdue and a significant relief from the burden of sourcing water daily.