WaterAid Nigeria, with support from Cummins Ltd., on Thursday inaugurated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities at Oregun Senior High School, Lagos.
The project was implemented under the Improving Access to Water, Hygiene and Sanitation initiative funded by Cummins.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Mrs Evelyn Mere, represented by Mr Emmanuel Lorkumbur, Head of Business Development and Partnership, said the intervention had improved WASH services for 176,547 people across eight schools and one community in Lagos State.
Mere noted that beneficiaries were drawn from Ikorodu North, Onigbongbo, Orile-Agege Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and Mushin Local Government Area. She said the project reflects a strong commitment to universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services in schools and communities.
The facilities include a 28,000-litre solar-powered borehole, water treatment unit, renovated toilets, handwashing stations, and drinking water points. Mere added that the intervention would enhance hygiene, safety, and learning conditions for students and teachers.
“Every child deserves clean water, decent toilets and hygiene facilities in school,” she said.
She urged school authorities and host communities to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the facilities.
Also speaking, the General Manager for Gas at Cummins, Mr Asif Khan, described the project as a milestone in promoting sanitation and dignity. He said it underscores the company’s commitment to health, education, and sustainable development through improved access to clean water and sanitation.
According to him, the facilities will directly benefit over 1,200 students and staff members. Khan commended WaterAid Nigeria for its technical expertise during project implementation.
The Principal of Oregun Senior High School, Mr Sunday Olatunji, praised WaterAid Nigeria and Cummins for the intervention, describing it as a major investment in students’ health, dignity, and academic environment. He noted that poor sanitation had previously affected school attendance, especially among female students, and exposed learners to health risks.
Olatunji pledged that the school would maintain the facilities and promote hygiene education among students and surrounding communities.
Mrs Omiseye Oladejo, Director of Social Welfare at the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, commended the organisations for the improved WASH facilities. She described the intervention as life-changing and stressed the importance of clean water, hygiene, and sanitation to public health.
“We all know that water is life. Without water, you can’t do anything,” she said.
Oladejo urged beneficiaries to protect the facilities and build a strong maintenance culture to prevent disease outbreaks.
Also speaking, Mr Sola Quadri of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic Education, representing the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Abiola Adegbite, commended WaterAid and Cummins for supporting WASH initiatives in schools. He noted that access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation is essential to quality education and would improve students’ wellbeing.
“Maintaining the facility will not be an issue. Our principals are people of integrity,” he said.
“Like Oliver Twist, we are still asking for more to go round the nooks and crannies of Lagos.”
The event culminated in the official inauguration of the facilities for use by staff and students.
