By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Jigawa State chapter has applauded the federal government for the palliative provided to Christian communities in the state.
The association commenced the distribution of the relief items at its secretariat in Dutse, the state capital on Tuesdayqq
Jigawa State CAN Chairman, Reverend Father Maurice Kalu, who spoke through the association’s Secretary General, Reverend Panu Panti Gidion, explained that the distribution followed a well-structured sharing formula.
The palliative items were allocated among the five recognized blocks of CAN, as well as the Women and Youth Groups within the association.
Reverend Gidion stated, “We have gathered here to disburse the federal government palliative received through the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for our members.”
He outlined that the association received three different food items—millet, sorghum, and maize—totaling 150 bags of 50kg each.
“The distribution was carried out equitably among the different groups that make up CAN, which include the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN)
Others are Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), TEKAN/ECWA, the Women Wing of CAN and the Youth Wing of CAN.
Gidion indicated that the executive members of each group were invited to witness and receive their fair share of the palliative, ensuring that all churches under each block benefited from the assistance.
The association expressed deep appreciation to the federal government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi, and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Auwalu Danladi Sankara, for their efforts in facilitating the distribution of the palliative.
Deborah Maina, Secretary of the Women Wing of CAN, also thanked the federal and state governments for their consideration.
She acknowledged that while the items received were modest, the gesture was significant, particularly for the widows and less privileged members of the community who would be prioritized in the distribution.
Chairman of the CAN Youth Wing, Stephen Bashiru Oladeji, echoed the same sentiments, praising the government for its support during the challenging times.
He noted that the palliative would greatly assist ordinary Nigerians struggling with current economic conditions.