For many families in parts of Benue State, getting clean water has long been a daily struggle. That burden has now been eased, thanks to Super Falcons forward Francisca Ordega.
The Nigerian international footballer has donated and commissioned two borehole projects in Gboko Local Government Area, providing safe drinking water to residents of Tse Mue Ato Mbaaye, her hometown, and the neighbouring Ikpenger community.
The projects were officially inaugurated on 6 July in Mbaavarakaa Council Ward, Mbatiav District.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ordega described water as one of life’s basic necessities and expressed hope that the boreholes would improve access to clean water, promote better hygiene and enhance the health and wellbeing of people in the communities.
The event attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, elders, youths and residents, who gathered to celebrate what many described as a life-changing intervention.
Residents welcomed the projects with excitement, saying they would help end the recurring water shortages that often worsen during the dry season.
On behalf of the traditional council, Zaki Ankele and Elder Tyoanhyev Adzenda praised Ordega for remembering her roots and investing in projects that directly improve the lives of ordinary people. They prayed for greater success in both her football career and humanitarian work.
Ordega’s father, Mr Joseph Ordega Ankele, said watching his daughter give back to her community was a proud and emotional moment.
He revealed that helping society had always been a personal dream, adding that seeing his daughter bring that vision to life filled him with joy.
“It is a dream come true. I have always wanted to give back to society, and I pray God grants her more strength, wisdom and the passion to continue helping people,” he said.
Media Coordinator of the Francisca Ordega Foundation, Vancouver Ter Alam, disclosed that the footballer personally funded the borehole projects as part of her commitment to supporting underserved communities across Benue State.
Ordega, who currently plays for Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al-Ittihad, continues to make an impact both on the football pitch and beyond it.
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