A Birthday of Purpose: Clean Water in Honor of 85 Years Rugga Wakalo, Nigeria – 2025

A Birthday of Purpose: Clean Water in Honor of 85 Years
Rugga Wakalo, Nigeria – 2025
In 2025, the family and friends of Elias Aisem chose to celebrate his 85th birthday in an
extraordinary and meaningful way.
Rather than offering traditional gifts, they invited loved ones to contribute to a humanitarian initiative
dedicated to supporting underserved communities in Nigeria. What began as a tribute to a
remarkable life became a collective act of generosity and compassion.
Through the funds raised—amounting to more than €11,500—a borehole and water access project
was established in the village of Rugga Wakalo, providing sustainable access to clean drinking
water for approximately 2,500 people.
This initiative transformed a personal milestone into a life-changing opportunity for an entire
community. Families who once struggled daily to secure safe water now benefit from improved
health, dignity, and stability.
By honoring 85 years of life with an act of solidarity, Elias Aisem’s family turned celebration into
impact—demonstrating that the greatest gift can sometimes be the one given to others.
■ Watch the project video here: