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By Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Nigerian born international footballer, Francisca Ordega, has brought relief to residents of two communities in Gboko Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue State with the donation of two water projects to address the persistent water shortages in the areas.
The projects, located at Tse Mue Ato Mbaaye, Ordega’s hometown, and neighbouring Ikpenger community in Mbaavarakaa Council Ward, Mbatiav, were officially commissioned on July 6 amid jubilation by residents and community leaders.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ordega said the initiative was driven by her belief that access to clean water is essential to human wellbeing and community development.
She expressed confidence that the water facilities would not only provide safe water for domestic use but also improve sanitation and hygiene in the benefiting communities.
She urged them to own and take care of the facilities to ensure that it functions for a long period of time and for the benefits of the people.
The visibly elated residents who gathered for the commissioning described the projects as timely interventions, noting that the communities have for years grappled with inadequate access to potable water, especially during the dry season.
The community leaders, including Zaki Ankele and Elder Tyoanhyev Adzenda, spoke on behalf of the traditional council and the people of the communities, commended the Ordega for her “thoughtfulness” and expressed gratitude for her generous contribution to humanity.
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They commended her for not forgetting her roots and investing in the welfare of her people, saying the gesture would significantly ease the burden faced by women and children who often travel long distances in search of water.
They also urged other successful sons and daughters of the area to emulate her and reach out to their people.
Also, Ordega’s father, Mr Joseph Ordega Ankele, expressed joy over his daughter’s commitment to community service.
According to him, giving back to society has always been a cherished aspiration, adding that he was delighted to see her turning that dream into reality through projects that directly impact lives.
He said “It is a dream come true for my daughter as it has always been her desire to give back to society. I pray to God to grant her more strength, wisdom, and zeal to do more for the people.”
He also prayed for God’s continued guidance, strength and wisdom upon her as she pursues both her football career and humanitarian activities.
Earlier, the Media Coordinator of the Francisca Ordega Foundation (FOF), Vancouver Alam, disclosed that the water projects were personally initiated and funded by the footballer to help meet the water needs of the two communities.
Alam said the intervention was a show of Ordega’s desire to use her success on the global stage to improve living conditions for her people back home.
Ordega, who hails from Gboko, currently plays for Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al-Ittihad and remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished female footballers.
