WORLD WATER DAY 2026: FCTA EMPOWERS WOMEN, COMMISSIONS BOREHOLE IN GOSA COMMUNITY
By: Adama Aminu and Suzanne Ejewofu George
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in commemoration of World Water Day 2026, has empowered women by improving access to safe water with the commissioning of a rehabilitated borehole in Kunyami Community, Gosa, Abuja.
The event, organized by the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) in collaboration with its partners, on Wednesday, 25th March, 2026, even as it aligned with this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” which emphasises the inclusion of women and girls in water leadership and decision-making.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Director of RUWASSA, Abigail Ekpenisi, highlighted the critical role women and girls play in ensuring access to safe water and sanitation in their communities.
She noted that despite their central role, they are often excluded from decision-making processes related to water management.
According to her, unequal access to water and limited participation in its management continue to hinder women’s opportunities for education and economic advancement.
She therefore called for greater inclusion of women in water governance to promote equality and sustainable development.
Ekpenisi also urged community members, particularly women, to adopt safe water handling practices to prevent contamination.
The Acting Director stressed that proper water use for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene is essential for improving public health and boosting economic productivity.
In her goodwill message, the Acting General Manager of the FCT Water Board, Naye Istifanus, commended RUWASSA for rehabilitating the borehole and bringing the World Water Day celebration closer to the grassroots.
She encouraged the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance for long-term use.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Dan Gadzama, represented by the Deputy Director and Head of Occupational Health and Safety, Igilu Joseph, advised residents to boil drinking water and store it in clean containers to prevent waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever.
She further emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean environment, especially around water sources.
In his remarks, the Chief of Kunyami Community, Silas Agwai, represented by the Sarkin Fada, Daniel Gani, expressed appreciation to the FCTA and its partners for selecting the community for the commemoration.
He, however, appealed for additional boreholes to meet the needs of the growing population.
Partners that participated in the event included Rotary International District 9127, WaterAid Nigeria, and the Resource Conservation Development Initiative, among others.
The highlight of the event was the commissioning of the rehabilitated borehole, a move expected to significantly improve access to clean and safe water for residents of Kunyami Community.
