By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Residents of Nyaja-Danvo Community in Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State have received a major boost in education and access to clean water following the commissioning of a block of three classrooms, 90 classroom desks and a hand-pump borehole.
The project was executed under ActionAid Nigeria’s Local Rights Programme and implemented by the Women and Children Health Empowerment Foundation (WACHEF) with support from ActionAid Nigeria’s Community Sponsorship initiative.
The commissioning ceremony attracted government officials, development partners and community leaders, who described the intervention as a significant step towards improving the welfare of children and families in the rural community.
Speaking on behalf of the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, the Local Rights Programme Specialist, Mr. Kehinde Arowosegbe, said the project demonstrates the power of partnership and community participation in addressing development challenges.
He noted that education and access to clean water remain fundamental rights and critical tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, adding that the facilities would provide children with a conducive learning environment while improving the health and wellbeing of residents.
Arowosegbe explained that the intervention was part of ActionAid Nigeria’s commitment to supporting community-led development through its Local Rights Programme, which focuses on strengthening local institutions, promoting accountable governance and improving access to basic social services.
The Commissioner for Nursery and Primary Education, Hajiya Tee Fatima Habeeb, commended ActionAid Nigeria and WACHEF for complementing government efforts in expanding educational opportunities for children in rural communities.
She described the project as a timely intervention that would improve learning conditions and encourage school enrolment and retention among pupils.
Founder and Managing Director of WACHEF, Dr. Garba Danjuma, said the organisation remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities through interventions in education, healthcare, water and sanitation.
According to him, the classrooms and borehole represent more than physical infrastructure, stressing that they are investments in the future of children and a demonstration that collective efforts can improve lives.
“We believe every child deserves a safe and conducive environment to learn, while every family deserves access to clean water. This project is about creating opportunities and giving hope to communities that need support the most,” he said.
Dr. Danjuma thanked ActionAid Nigeria for the partnership and pledged that WACHEF would continue working with governments, development partners and communities to deliver impactful projects across Taraba State and beyond.
Also speaking, WACHEF Board Member, Alhaji Uba Mohammed Lau, praised the collaboration between ActionAid Nigeria, WACHEF and the Nyaja-Danvo community, describing it as a model for sustainable grassroots development.
The Managing Director of West Army Construction Company and the Permanent Secretary of the Taraba State Ministry of Works and Housing also lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing infrastructure deficits in rural communities.
Community members expressed gratitude for the intervention, saying the new facilities would reduce overcrowding in classrooms, improve access to quality education and provide a reliable source of clean drinking water.
For many residents, the commissioning marked more than the unveiling of new infrastructure. It represented renewed hope for a community where children can now learn in a better environment and families can access clean water closer to home.