Okonkwo Samuel
It was a day of joy and celebration in Uru Okpala, Abagana, as residents, friends, and dignitaries gathered to witness the commissioning of a solar-powered borehole donated to the community by Otuto Jennifer Mkpuechina, fondly called Adadiche Abagana.
The event, which took place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, attracted leaders of the Abagana Welfare Union (AWU), traditional titleholders, women and youth groups, and other well-wishers who came to celebrate another milestone in community development.
The newly commissioned facility, which is the fourth solar-powered borehole executed by Adadiche Abagana, stands as part of her ongoing commitment to providing sustainable and clean water across the nine villages that make up Abagana (Ebo Teghete).
Speaking during the ceremony, the President-General of the Abagana Welfare Union, Chief Sir Linus Okunwa (Ezekwesili Abagana), described the gesture as a worthy example of community service and a strong show of love for humanity. He commended Otuto for her consistency in identifying with her people and urged other illustrious sons and daughters of Abagana to emulate her selfless contributions.
Chief Okunwa also expressed gratitude to Mrs. Grace Mkpuechina (TV Umuagbala), the mother of Otuto, acknowledging that she has played a significant role in inspiring and encouraging her daughter’s philanthropic drive.
In the same vein, the Secretary of the Abagana Welfare Union, Chief Hon. Sir Tochukwu Nworji, and Chief Christopher Okuagba (Ezeudo, Igwe Lapai) lauded the donor for her foresight and generosity, noting that the borehole would go a long way in addressing the age-long challenge of water scarcity in Uru Okpala and neighbouring areas.
Also present at the event was Chief Uzochukwu Mkpuechina (Ozo Anaekilieze), the elder brother of Otuto, who came in full support of his sister’s continued contributions to community development.
Members of the AWU Women’s Wing, led by Mrs. Okafor Anthonia, with Mrs. Ezekwueche Ijeoma as Secretary, as well as Uru Okpala community executives, friends, and residents, also graced the event and expressed heartfelt appreciation to Adadiche Abagana for her continuous investment in community welfare.
Born and raised in Abagana, Otuto Jennifer Mkpuechina attended Central Primary School (St. Peter’s, Abagana) and Girls’ Secondary School, Abagana. She has often recalled her childhood experience of trekking three to four kilometres daily to fetch water from the Oshoku stream; a struggle that inspired her lifelong commitment to providing accessible water for every household in Abagana.
Her dream, she said, is to ensure that all nine villages in Abagana will one day have reliable, solar-powered boreholes; a promise she is steadily fulfilling.
