The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has urged Nigerian leaders to sustain investments in community development.

The chair of the CDD International Governing Council, John Odah, stated this at the inauguration of a community water project and toilet facility in Shadadi LEA Primary School, Kuje, Abuja, on Friday.

The project was executed to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day.

Mr Odah, who performed the formal handover of the project, said the initiative aligned with the United Nations’ call for community service while celebrating Mandela’s legacy of justice, equality and selfless leadership across Africa.

He said that CDD chose a community location instead of a school alone to ensure residents and pupils benefit year-round and minimise vandalism during school holidays.

Mr Odah said that the water facility was powered by solar energy to guarantee uninterrupted access in spite of the persistent electricity supply challenges affecting communities and schools.

“We commend the community and school authorities for agreeing to establish a joint committee to manage and maintain the water facility sustainably.

“CDD also pledges continued community engagement, including exploring partnerships with the school to establish a library supporting learning and responsible citizenship among young people,” he said.

Mr Odah appreciated the education authority, community leaders and residents for supporting the project, expressing hope the initiative would inspire greater local government commitment to grassroots development.

Speaking at the occasion, director of CDD-West Africa, Dauda Garuba, said the project would affect the lives of the beneficiaries positively.

In his address, the head teacher of the school, Kasimu Shaba, appreciated CDD  for donating the solar-powered borehole, describing the project as a demonstration of service, compassion and consolidation of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

“The borehole will provide clean, reliable water, improve sanitation, support school activities and benefit surrounding residents, enhancing health, dignity and overall community well-being,” he said.

Mr Shaba also praised the organisation for renovating toilet facilities, saying it was an investment in the future of the younger generation.

While pledging to maintain the facilities, he urged pupils to learn from the act of responsible citizenship and prayed for CDD’s continued growth and greater impact across communities in honour of the Nelson Mandela International Day.

In his remarks the LEA Education Secretary, Kuje Area Council, Yunusa Zakara,  praised CDD for providing the facility for the school and the community.

Mr Zakara, represented by the head of administration, Mohammed Abdulmumin, urged the school and community to maintain the facility in order to encourage further interventions.

The representative of the head of the Shadadi community, Samuel Zechariah, appealed to the school and community members to protect the project.

Ugwe Benedict, one of the school administrators, said the project would bring relief to the school in the area of hygiene and sanitation.

(NAN)