A businessman and philanthropist, Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo, alongside his wife, Olori Abayomi Onabanjo, has donated 20 additional boreholes to communities in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, in a move aimed at improving access to clean and potable water.
The latest intervention represents the second phase of the water project and comes barely two weeks after 12 communities benefited from a similar initiative undertaken by the Ijebu royal prince and entrepreneur.
Communities that received the newly commissioned boreholes include Olode Isale (Imupa), Idepo (Ijasi), Obalende 1 (Porogun), Obalende (Seicko), Oju Koti, Alawa, Ojofa, Ita Osu New Market (Ikongba), Ayegbami in Idomowo Community, Ipamurin and Ishado.
Other beneficiaries are Imoru, Ariyo Street (Moborode), Eleru Gbeda (GRA Festac), Oniworo, Onirugba, Itaajana, Sabo 2, Idomila and Ijagun Road.
Speaking during the inauguration and handover ceremony in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, the donor’s representative, Funmilayo Ayanwusi, said the project was conceived to tackle persistent water shortages in several communities and improve residents’ access to safe drinking water.
She revealed that the initiative targets the installation of 52 boreholes across different parts of Ijebu-Ode, adding that the project is entirely philanthropic and not connected to any political ambition.
According to Ayanwusi, the benefactor was motivated by the need to provide a practical solution to the water challenges facing many communities.
“Water is a basic necessity of life. It is essential for human beings, animals and plants. Recognising the challenges faced by many residents, he decided to contribute meaningfully by providing access to clean water,” she said.
She further disclosed that each borehole has been equipped with a generating set to ensure regular operation and uninterrupted access to water for beneficiaries.
Beyond addressing water needs, the project has also generated employment opportunities for local artisans and professionals. Ayanwusi noted that more than 100 workers, including welders, plumbers, engineers and survey personnel, were engaged during the execution of the project.
She emphasized that Onabanjo’s commitment to community development stems from a long-standing culture of giving back rather than any political aspiration.
“Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo is not a politician. His interest is simply to support the growth and development of his community and improve the living conditions of the people,” she stated.
The Chairman of the Ijebu-Ode Council of Oloritun, Alhaji Adebisi Alausa, praised the initiative, describing it as a landmark intervention that has significantly eased the burden on government in providing essential services.
Alausa said the project stands out as one of the most impactful community-based water interventions he has witnessed in decades.
“This is an extraordinary achievement. I will be 89 years old on August 21, and I have never seen anything of this scale before. What Abimbola has done has greatly complemented the efforts of government and brought relief to many communities,” he said.
He also called on political leaders and relevant authorities to revive old water pipeline networks and reservoir systems across Ogun State, arguing that such investments would provide a more sustainable and long-term solution to water supply challenges.
Residents of the benefiting communities welcomed the gesture, expressing optimism that the boreholes would improve sanitation, reduce the time spent searching for water and enhance overall quality of life across the affected areas.
Philanthropist Donates 20 Boreholes to Communities in Ijebu-Ode
