In a world where clean water is still a dream for many, a groundbreaking project called “Water for Wellness” has been carving out a new reality. Commencing in April 2021, the initiative, powered by Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanor’s Foundation, has been making waves in the realm of humanitarian aid.
Queen Zaynab, a former Nigerian queen and notable philanthropist, has built an impressive record of service. Awarded Humanitarian of the Year by the United Nations in 2017, Queen Zaynab has dedicated her efforts to eliminating barriers to access to basic human needs. As an ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), she works tirelessly to promote women’s and children’s rights, health, and equity.
Her foundation, the Queen of Ile Ife Foundation (QIIF), together with Project SIWAJU, have been instrumental in advancing causes that support women and children. Additionally, she founded The Arab African Economic Development Initiative (AAEDI), designed to advance and strengthen ties between Africa and the Arab nations through culture and economic initiatives.
“True kindness is not a feeling, it is an action,” Queen Zaynab said in a recent interview. “We believe that the gap between the rich and the poor can be bridged when we all act in our own capacities.”
Water for Wellness is the latest in Queen Zaynab’s series of game-changing initiatives. The project, active in rural communities across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, tackles water scarcity head-on. By installing solar-powered boreholes, it provides a continuous supply of potable water, revolutionising the health of vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.
“Water for Wellness is more than a project, it is a movement towards a healthier, equitable future,” Queen Zaynab said. “We work closely with community leaders to ensure the security and sustainable management of our installations. We also emphasize on environmental sanitation as a key factor in overall community health.”
But what truly sets this initiative apart is its meticulously researched approach to intervention. Collaborating with experienced agricultural extension consultation and rural development officials, Water for Wellness pinpoints ‘lines of best fit’ for interventions. By deploying studies and research data, the project can accurately target communities most in need and tailor their approach for maximum impact.
“Eliminating the global water crisis is no small feat,” admits Queen Zaynab. “However, by creating thoughtful interventions and fostering sustainable relationships with community leaders, we’re making a positive difference, one drop at a time.”
As Water for Wellness celebrates its notable successes and gears up for future challenges, its fundamental message remains the same: access to clean water is not a privilege; it is a basic human right. With every borehole drilled and every community empowered, Queen Zaynab’s project underscores the power of compassion, fidelity, equity, and excellence, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in humanitarian aid.