Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joseph John Hayab, has led the distribution of relief materials to 1,000 heads of households displaced by over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The beneficiaries, currently residing in camps and host communities, received assorted food items and basic necessities donated by Barnabas Aid UK. The intervention is part of a broader humanitarian effort targeting victims of violence and displacement across northern Nigeria.
Items distributed include 25kg bags of rice, garri, maize, and beans, alongside vegetable oil, palm oil, matches, salt, and other condiments.
Similar outreach programmes have already been carried out in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Ondo states, reaching communities affected by conflict and other humanitarian crises.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Pentecostal Believers Covenant Church (PBCC), Gomari Airport area of Maiduguri on Saturday, Reverend Hayab said he was deeply moved by the conditions of displaced persons after visiting camps and host communities, including Jerusalem Camp.
Addressing the beneficiaries—many of whom are persons living with disabilities—he explained that the initiative began in December last year and has progressively covered several states before arriving in Borno.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of humility that I stand before you in this historic city of Maiduguri. We gather here today not merely to distribute material aid, but to reaffirm a profound truth: that in times of trial, we are not forgotten. We are not alone.
“On behalf of the Northern Christian Association, I extend our deepest appreciation to Barnabas Aid for this remarkable intervention.
“To reach 1,000 households in this region—a region that has endured so much conflict, displacement, and hardship—is no small feat. It is a powerful demonstration of love in action, of faith that does not merely speak but reaches out to touch lives.
“To you, the beneficiaries: Today, as you receive these items whether food, or other necessities let them serve as a tangible reminder that there are people far and near who care about your well-being. Your struggle is seen. Your pain is acknowledged. And your resilience inspires us all.
“Life in the Northeast has been challenging. Many of you have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods. Yet here you are, standing strong, looking forward to tomorrow. That strength is not in vain. We, the Christian community across Northern Nigeria, stand with you in prayer and in practical support.
‘We also use this opportunity to call for continued peace and unity in Borno State and beyond. No religion teaches hatred. No faith encourages violence. We are all children of God, deserving of dignity, compassion, and the chance to rebuild our lives.
“I encourage you to receive this support with joy, and to share the love you have received with your neighbors, regardless of their faith or tribe. Let this be a moment that strengthens the bond of our common humanity.
“Once again, thank you, Barnabas Aid UK, for being a vessel of hope. And to every household here today: May the Almighty God bless you, keep you, and restore all that you have lost”.
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary-General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga, who also heads the Pentecostal Believers Covenant Church (PBCC) in Borno State, praised Barnabas Aid UK for the timely support.
He noted that the assistance would significantly ease the burden on displaced Christian communities and assured that all items would be distributed fairly and transparently.
Representatives of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Andrawus Bzalava, who stood in for the District Head of Gava, Mr. John Dogo, as well as a widow and Boko Haram survivor, Naomi Daniel, expressed appreciation for the intervention.
They thanked Barnabas Aid UK and Reverend Hayab for remembering their plight and offering support during a difficult period, while also praying for lasting peace in Borno State and Nigeria at large.