BATN Foundation has commissioned a 20,000-litre capacity solar-powered borehole in the Ifelodun Muslim Area of Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State, saying it is its way of demonstrating commitment to community development and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The borehole project, officially unveiled in the presence of government dignitaries, traditional leaders, local government authorities, and residents, marked another significant stride in BATN Foundation’s drive to support underserved communities with sustainable access to clean water and sanitation, key elements in achieving Sustainable Development Goal six (SDG 6).
Odiri Erewa-Meggison, board director of BATN Foundation, in a statement, said the project’s significance was beyond infrastructure.
“Water is life. Access to clean, safe water is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right. This project represents our belief that no one should be left behind, especially when it comes to the most basic human need.”
Erewa-Meggison added that the foundation’s strategic investments in clean water solutions reflect its broader mission to build resilient, healthy communities.
“This borehole is one of over 110 solar-powered facilities we have constructed across Nigeria, impacting thousands of rural households with safe, renewable water access,” she said. “It’s not just about water; it’s about dignity, it’s about public health, and it’s about creating opportunities for people to thrive.”
“The goal is to strengthen the entire ecosystem around rural development. By giving people the tools, whether water or agricultural inputs, we’re enabling productivity, health, and self-reliance,” Erewa-Meggison explained.
The solar-powered borehole in Ifelodun is expected to serve more than 5,000 residents, significantly reducing the daily burden, especially for women and children, who previously travelled long distances to fetch water.
The statement reveals that by integrating solar-powered technology, the project not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also lowers the long-term cost of water access, providing an environmentally friendly solution tailored for rural sustainability.
Constructed with five water dispensing taps, a water management kiosk, four 300W solar panels, and a submersible pump encased within a protective area, the borehole is engineered for long-term sustainability. A manually operated pump has also been installed to provide an alternative water source during extended periods of low sunlight.
In his remarks, Seun Ashamu, commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, lauded the foundation’s intervention, noting that this kind of public-private partnership is critical in addressing the infrastructural gaps in rural areas, especially in climate-sensitive sectors like water.
Akeem Olatunji, chairman of Oluyole LGA, also expressed appreciation for the organisation for choosing the Ifelodun Muslim community, describing the intervention as a transformative gesture that addresses both the immediate and long-term water needs of its people.
Beyond access to water, the organisation continues to make critical interventions in agriculture and economic empowerment across Oyo.
In 2024 alone, the foundation trained and equipped 200 smallholder vegetable farmers across Akufo and Ajeja communities in sustainable dry-season farming techniques. Through these initiatives, over 330,000 smallholder farmers have been empowered across the country.
