In a move to strengthen rural water supply and support sustainable development, the BATN Foundation has inaugurated a 20,000-litre solar-powered borehole in the Ifelodun Muslim community of Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan.
The facility, unveiled with the participation of local government officials, traditional leaders, and residents, is designed to provide safe and reliable water access while promoting environmental sustainability. The borehole is equipped with five water taps, a management kiosk, four 300W solar panels, and a submersible pump, with a manual pump available as a backup during periods of low sunlight.
Mrs. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Board Director of BATN Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of the project. She noted that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring rural communities are not left behind. “This initiative is about more than water; it supports public health, dignity, and the opportunity for people to thrive,” she said.
The new facility is expected to benefit over 5,000 residents, significantly easing the daily burden on women and children who previously had to travel long distances to collect water. By relying on solar power, the project also reduces dependence on fossil fuels, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for long-term water access.
Hon. Seun Ashamu, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, praised the partnership between BATN Foundation and local authorities, describing it as essential for addressing infrastructural gaps in rural areas. Engr. Akeem Olatunji, Chairman of Oluyole LGA, called the intervention transformative, addressing both immediate and long-term water needs.
Beyond water, the Foundation has also been active in supporting agriculture and economic empowerment. In 2024, it trained and equipped 200 smallholder vegetable farmers in sustainable dry-season farming techniques, contributing to its wider mission of empowering over 330,000 farmers across Nigeria.
During the commissioning event, community members participated in the symbolic activation of the borehole, ribbon-cutting, and group photos, expressing gratitude for the initiative. Erewa-Meggison urged residents to take ownership of the facility, emphasizing that sustainability depends on proper care and stewardship.
With this project, BATN Foundation continues to advance rural development across Nigeria, providing sustainable solutions that enhance health, productivity, and resilience.
