The United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) has distributed food and clothing worth several millions of Naira to communities affected by last year’s severe drought in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Taraba states.
The distribution, which was made during the weekend, was said to have been funded by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
According to the church’s Bishop, Ande Emmanuel, the items are geared towards supporting families struggling with food shortages across Taraba, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, and Bauchi states.
The aid package, which, according to the church, is the first of its kind, includes rice, maize, beans, palm oil, seasoning cubes, and clothing, among others.
The relief items, the Bishop said, will reach thousands of persons who were devastated by the prolonged dry spells across the nooks and crannies of the aforementioned states.
Elated by the assistance, the District Superintendent of the UMC, Bambur, in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council of Taraba State, Rev. Yahuza, highlighted the impact of the items on the beneficiaries.
“This relief has brought hope to many families who were struggling to find food. We sincerely appreciate UMCOR for their generosity and for standing with us in these difficult times,” Yahuza stated.
Also speaking, the District Superintendent of Haske District of the church, Rev. Iliya Elisha, stressed the significance of the intervention.
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He said, “Many people were on the brink of starvation, but with this support, they can now feed their families. It is a true demonstration of God’s love in action.”
Also commending the donors, the Lay Leader of the Central Nigeria Annual Conference, Godwin Ibrahim, noted that the aid will go a long way in alleviating suffering.
“This support has made a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the drought. We pray that God continues to bless everyone who contributed.”
The relief distribution, as observed by The Guardian, was coordinated through local church networks in order to ensure that the aid reached those in urgent need.
UMCN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and called for ongoing prayers and assistance as affected families work toward rebuilding their lives.
Some of the beneficiaries who bared their minds to our state correspondent said the items would help to cushion the ongoing economic hardship in the region and the country at large.
