The African Union (AU) has appointed Dr. Martins Abhulimhen, a renowned advocate for social justice and the president of the Jose Foundation UK, as its ambassador to spearhead a significant initiative aimed at providing clean water to communities across Africa. This effort, known as the ‘Jose Water for Africa Initiative,’ is designed to ensure that millions of people have access to safe and potable water.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Abhulimhen expressed his gratitude for the appointment, highlighting his dedication to promoting social justice through education and philanthropy as key reasons for his selection. He has already made substantial strides in empowering marginalized communities across the continent and addressing the disparities between the wealthy and the impoverished.

The Jose Foundation is collaborating with Mr. Jas Sohl, the Designated Honorary Consul for Cambodia to the UK, to implement “JOSE Water” (Impact Solutions). This partnership aims to deliver centralized and decentralized water technologies to Nigeria and neighboring regions.

The initiative includes not only the provision of clean water but also effluent treatment and comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions for both municipal and industrial needs. With 25 years of experience in technology and impact investing, Sohl is recognized as a distinguished social and holistic development entrepreneur, having invested in over ten groundbreaking climate technologies, which earned him accolades as a Smart Tech Award-winning impact investor.

“Jas has played a critical role in five major initiatives within the ETV program, exemplifying his commitment to environmental and technological advancements. As an international business mentor for British Water, he shares his insights across Asia and India, fostering innovation and growth. Now, he is set to join forces with ‘JOSE Water’ to make an impact on the African continent,” the statement noted.

The Jose Foundation has effectively combined education and philanthropy to drive change across Africa, rooted in a commitment to social justice and leveraging extensive humanitarian experience. Abhulimhen shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am happy to be chosen for this work. This is what I’ve been doing before—holding events in various African countries. I’ve worked on tackling child sexual exploitation in South Africa and promoting safe sports for children there. If given the opportunity to do this on a platform like the African Union, I believe I will excel.”

Additionally, Prof. Tunji Asaolu has been appointed as the head of the AU initiative, chairing the Governing Board of the AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly. Asaolu stated, “Our mission is to promote the African Union Agenda 2063, a strategic framework designed to stimulate growth on the continent and create a collective identity, including encouraging the free movement of people across Africa.”

Founded in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2003 by Abhulimhen, the Jose Foundation is guided by principles of excellence, innovation, and generosity. The foundation is dedicated to fostering positive change and enabling individuals to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives in a more equitable and secure environment.