The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN) has reached out to vulnerable families in Kaduna State and Owo in Ondo State with food assistance as part of its Christmas humanitarian outreach.
The relief materials distributed included bags of rice, beans, maize, garri, groundnut oil, palm oil, sugar, salt, and seasonings, among other essential items.
The intervention was designed to reduce hardship among victims of violence, widows, orphans, and persons living with disabilities.
Each selected household received staple food items, including 25kg bags of rice, beans, garri, and maize, to support them during the festive period.
The distribution exercise was officially flagged off on Wednesday in Maraban Rido, Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Northern CAN and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the initiative was supported by Barnabas Aid and targeted at displaced families and other vulnerable groups.
Hayab explained that 1,000 households were deliberately selected from the two affected communities to bring comfort, restore hope, and remind beneficiaries that they had not been abandoned during the Christmas season.
He noted that the programme combined spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and educational support, stressing that hunger could weaken dignity, peace, and people’s ability to respond positively to efforts aimed at ending violence.
According to him, prayers were offered before the distribution to express solidarity and reassure beneficiaries that their welfare remained a priority.
Hayab added that the humanitarian outreach would not be limited to Kaduna and Ondo states, noting that similar interventions were planned for Borno, Plateau, Benue, and other violence-affected areas across Northern Nigeria.
He disclosed that the current exercise forms part of a broader plan to support about 5,000 households across the region, reaching tens of thousands of people directly and indirectly.
While acknowledging that the relief items could not fully compensate for the losses suffered by beneficiaries, Hayab urged them to make proper use of the items and avoid selling them.
Also speaking, Vice Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Jonah Samson, said the initiative reflected biblical teachings and the example of Jesus Christ, who showed compassion by feeding the hungry.
Samson identified the beneficiaries as victims of violence and displacement, widows and orphans, and persons living with disabilities, explaining that the support was being delivered in phases.
He said the assistance, though limited, would provide relief, encouragement, and comfort amid the prevailing economic hardship and rising cost of living.
Samson added that the intervention cut across denominations and communities and thanked Barnabas Aid for supporting the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Village Head of Maraban Rido, Kudansa, Mr. Auta Alkali, expressed gratitude to Northern CAN and its partners for the timely support.
He described the gesture as a source of renewed hope, noting that the food items would help reduce hunger in households and reassure residents that they were remembered during a difficult period.