Yabata

On behalf of Yabata and the entire community of Yabata, we sincerely want to appreciate you for the work done here in this community of Yabata Lapai Local Government Area in Niger State for the provision of portable water gotten by your effort. We are saying thank you very much. May the good God who has started this good in you come to completion in Jesus name. Once again we are grateful. Yours faithfully, Pastor Sunday Joshua Jute

Yabata, a community nestled within Niger State, Nigeria, shares a history rooted in the traditions and livelihoods of the diverse peoples inhabiting this region. Niger State, the largest state in Nigeria by landmass, has a rich past, having been part of the ancient Nupe Kingdom and later influenced by the Sokoto Caliphate. While the state is endowed with significant water resources, access to clean and adequate water remains a persistent challenge for many communities, particularly in rural areas like Yabata. Historically, residents often relied on unprotected sources like streams and hand-dug wells, exposing them to waterborne diseases and the arduous task of daily water collection. For Patience Jato and the people of Yabata, the lack of clean and adequate water was a daily struggle that impacted their health, safety, and overall well-being. As Patience poignantly shares: "My name is Patience Jato, I reside here in Yabata. Our lives have been so challenging without clean adequate water. Our kids faced attacks when they desperately go searching for water. Lifewater heard our plight and cry." Patience's words highlight the vulnerability and hardship faced by the community, particularly the children who were at risk while searching for the essential resource. The reliance on unsafe water sources not only threatened their health but also their security. The community's "plight and cry" underscore the desperation for a sustainable solution. The arrival of Lifewater in Yabata brought a profound sense of hope and marked a turning point in their lives. Patience vividly recalls the moment their prayers were answered: "The day they started drilling our new borehole was one of the happiest days of our life. Now my children can play and learn, with clean water readily available to drink and wash without having to go in search of water from harmful and dirty sources again." The new borehole has not only provided clean and accessible water but has also brought safety and a renewed sense of normalcy to the children's lives. They are now free from the dangers associated with searching for water, allowing them to focus on their education and play. The availability of clean water for drinking and washing has also significantly improved hygiene and reduced the risk of waterborne illnesses. Patience's heartfelt gratitude resonates with the entire community: "You have indeed saved lives. We cannot thank you enough for this kind of gesture. May you continue to do explore to the glory of God." This story from Yabata underscores the transformative power of providing a community with access to clean water, turning a situation of hardship and vulnerability into one of health, safety, and hope.