By Abdullahi Lukman
The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo has launched its 2026 Lenten campaign to improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene in 40 rural communities in Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The programme, unveiled on Monday at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Jalingo, is aimed at addressing the persistent lack of safe drinking water in underserved areas through the construction of wells and boreholes.
Coordinator of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission, Clement Ignatius Tiba, said the initiative aligns with the commission’s mission to promote human dignity and improve livelihoods.
He noted that preliminary activities such as needs assessments, community sensitisation and mobilisation had already been completed ahead of implementation.
He explained that the facilities would be handed over to benefiting communities upon completion, while water management committees would be set up to ensure maintenance.
Beneficiaries are also expected to make token contributions to encourage ownership and sustainability.
Tiba added that similar interventions have been carried out in other parts of the state, including Sardauna, Takum, Gashaka, Kurmi, Ardo-Kola and Zing local government areas.
He further highlighted the commission’s involvement in youth and women empowerment, emergency response, relief distribution and prison outreach programmes.
Chairman of Yorro Local Government Area, Martina Anthony, who presided over the event, described the project as timely and impactful.
She commended the commission’s efforts and assured the council’s support for its success, while also calling for collaboration from individuals and organisations.
She acknowledged ongoing efforts by the state government but stressed the need for collective action to tackle water challenges in rural communities.
The Lenten campaign, which emphasises prayer, fasting and almsgiving, also serves as a call for increased support for humanitarian initiatives amid declining external assistance.
