September 20th, 2021 is one day that will leave an indelible memory in the minds of everyone at Warawa. In the last 2 years, NFTI has carefully planned and executed the Living Lab project at Warawa Community in Kano State, and the official project launch day was finally here.
Just like any other day in the community, the launch day was a hot sunny day, even with your shoes on, you could feel the scorching heat burning right into your feet. The shrubs and trees weren’t carrying many winds as the impact of climate change can be felt in the surrounding. However, the community was alive to welcome us. The community heads were dressed in their traditional regalias, everywhere looked sparkling clean and the children could sense that something big was about to happen.
The eventful day began with a visit to the community heads who gave us their blessings to go ahead with the launch. The special guests arrived on time and the occasion kicked off shortly after prayers were offered.
The NFTI’s Warawa Living Lab Project was commissioned at the project site by his excellency, the executive Governor of Kano State, Gov. Umar Ganduje, he was ably represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Environment. The day was a Monday, but it totally felt like a weekend because of the mood in the community.
NFTI’s Programme Director, Mr. Nuradeen Maidoki was invited to talk about the project. During his short speech, Mr. Nuradeen outlined the goals and objectives of the project, and the several impacts the project has had so far on the community. Shortly after his speech, the moment of truth came, the Kano State Commissioner for Environment along with his entourage all stood up to commission the project on behalf of the Governor of Kano State. The project was commissioned after the ceremonial cutting of ribbons and a tour of the facility.
The ceremonial launch of the Warawa Living Lab project was a fulfilling experience for every member of NFTI, however, we understand that it doesn’t stop there. Despite all the impact stories recorded so far, we know this is just the beginning as we expect the living lab to impact even more people. The facility is still collecting data from installed water meters and our data scientists are working relentlessly every day to make sense of the data for the good of the society.
