By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
Rotary President Ama Umoren has emphasized that service remains a powerful tool for creating hope, inspiring positive change, and building stronger communities, as the Rotary Club of Abuja Gwarinpa Central commissioned a series of impactful community projects in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking during the project commissioning ceremony, Umoren said Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service continues to transform lives through practical interventions that address critical community needs.
“Service is a measure by which to create hope, inspire change and build stronger communities,” She said.
The projects commissioned included the construction of a soak-away system to improve sanitation, a tree-planting initiative aimed at environmental sustainability, and the distribution of sanitary pads to young girls to promote menstrual hygiene and support uninterrupted education.
According to Umoren, the initiatives reflect Rotary’s focus on water, sanitation and hygiene, education, community development, environmental protection, and youth empowerment.
She noted that the sanitation project would contribute to a cleaner and healthier learning environment, while the tree-planting exercise demonstrates Rotary’s commitment to environmental preservation.
“Every tree planted today is a promise to future generations — a promise of cleaner air, a healthier ecosystem, and a greener world. Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility, and Rotary is determined to play its part,” Ama Umoren stated.
On the distribution of sanitary pads, Umoren stressed the importance of supporting young girls who often face challenges accessing menstrual hygiene products.
“Many girls miss school because they lack access to menstrual hygiene materials.
Through this initiative, we are helping them preserve their dignity, remain in school, and pursue their education with confidence,” he said.
The Assistant Head Teacher of the school, Mr. Omowale Lukman, highlighted the environmental benefits of tree planting, explaining that trees help moderate temperatures and create a more conducive learning environment.
He noted that excessive heat can negatively affect learning and agricultural productivity, adding that the presence of flowering and shade trees would enable pupils to learn more comfortably throughout the day.
“The presence of trees helps reduce the intensity of the sun and creates a better atmosphere for teaching and learning,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Yerima Jatou, Assistant Head Teacher I, expressed profound appreciation to the Rotary Club for its humanitarian interventions.
She described the projects as timely and impactful, particularly the provision of sanitation facilities and menstrual hygiene support for female pupils.
“Some of our girls struggle to access sanitary products.
This gesture will go a long way in helping them maintain proper hygiene and remain focused on their studies,” she said.
Jatou assured the Rotary Club that the school would maintain the facilities and nurture the trees planted during the exercise.
She further appealed for additional support, particularly the provision of school desks and other educational infrastructure.
“In the spirit of Oliver Twist, we are asking for more. Our school still needs desks and other facilities that will improve learning conditions for our pupils,” she added.
The Head Boy and Head Girl of the LEA Primary School expressed excitement and gratitude to the Rotary Club of Abuja Gwarinpa Central for its continued support,they promised to maintain the facilities.
The pupils praised the club for consistently coming to their aid and described the projects as beneficial to both current and future students.
In her remarks, the Assistant Governor overseeing the club, Olajumoke Ekeinde, commended the President, board members, project team, and members of the Rotary Club of Abuja Gwarinpa Central for their dedication to service.
She described the projects as a reflection of Rotary’s commitment to sustainable community impact.
“The soak-away system project supports sanitation and hygiene, helping to create a healthier and cleaner learning environment for pupils and staff. Good sanitation is essential for healthy living and quality education,” she said.
Ekeinde added that the tree-planting initiative symbolizes hope, growth, sustainability, and a better future, while the sanitary pad distribution promotes dignity, confidence, and support for the girl child.
“No girl should feel limited in her education because of a lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene support,” she noted.
She urged pupils to take proper care of the facilities and encouraged school authorities and community members to ensure the sustainability of the projects.
“As Rotarians, we believe that service is one of the most powerful ways to create positive change in society. Through fellowship and collective action, Rotary continues to touch lives and strengthen communities across the world,” she said.
Ekeinde congratulated the club on the successful completion of the projects and encouraged members to remain committed to impactful and sustainable humanitarian service.
She concluded with Rotary’s guiding principle: “Service Above Self.”
