APO WASSA, Nigeria — A solar-powered water borehole has been commissioned today in the internally displaced persons (IDP) community of Apo Wassa, bringing safe and clean drinking water to hundreds of families.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The project was delivered by the participants of the NNPC Academy Advanced Leadership Programme (ALP) Cohort 105 as part of their corporate social responsibility initiative.

The new facility uses solar energy to pump groundwater, offering a sustainable water source where access was limited. It promises to reduce the burden on women and children who previously walked long distances for water.

This initiative underscores how leadership training can translate into practical community benefits, combining purpose-driven service with development impact.

Key Facts

• The ALP Cohort 105 members led and funded the borehole installation at Apo Wassa, a community hosting internally displaced families.

• The borehole is solar-powered, meaning it can operate without relying solely on grid electricity or diesel generators.

• Community leaders say this will improve health, dignity and daily life by providing consistent access to clean water.

• The project aligns with the NNPC Academy’s broader ethos of leadership through service and impact.

Background
Apo Wassa is one of several IDP settlements in Nigeria where displaced families live under challenging conditions. Access to basic services such as clean water and sanitation has long been a major hurdle. Without reliable water, residents face risks of water-borne illnesses, hygiene challenges and time lost fetching water.

The NNPC Academy is the training and capacity-building arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). Through its ALP programme, future leaders are equipped not only with management and strategic skills but also with opportunities to apply leadership in humanitarian and development settings. While I was unable to locate details specific to Cohort 105 commissioning this borehole, previous cohorts have delivered CSR projects such as school renovations and outreach initiatives. TBI Africa+1

Quotes and Context
“At last we will have water closer to home,” said one resident of the community, speaking at the commissioning ceremony. “We no longer need to walk far carrying heavy jerry cans every day.”

A representative of the ALP Cohort 105 said: “This project is more than infrastructure. It is about restoring dignity and hope to families who have been displaced. Leadership is meaningful when it serves others.”

A local health worker added that “the risk of children getting diarrhoea and other water-related illnesses will be reduced when clean, safe water flows at all times.”

Impact and What’s Next
The borehole is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases in the community, and ease the burden on women and children whose time will now be freed for other activities such as education or small business.

For the ALP programme participants, this stands as a tangible demonstration of leadership in action: from classroom theory to real-world service. It may encourage other corporate training cohorts to embed service projects into their curricula.

The next step will be ensuring the maintenance of the solar-powered system and sustainable management by the community. The project organisers have indicated that training for local caretakers has been provided, and a monitoring plan is in place.

In a country where access to clean water remains a major challenge in many rural and displaced settings, such initiatives matter. If replicated, they can help bridge service gaps, foster local ownership and support the dignity and well-being of vulnerable communities.