The Gombe State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has taken delivery of Christmas and New Year relief materials donated by the Gombe State Government, as part of efforts to support Christian communities during the festive season.
The official handover took place at the warehouse of the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Hon. Shehu Ibrahim Yerima Abdullahi, presented the items on behalf of the state government.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Shehu Yerima said the donation followed the approval of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, to enable members of the Christian community in Gombe State celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivities in joy and dignity.
He explained that the relief materials were in addition to the earlier financial support approved and released to the Christian community, groups and individuals.
He urged the association to ensure that the items are distributed fairly, with priority given to vulnerable persons across the state.
In his response, the Gombe State CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, assured the government that the association would ensure a transparent and equitable distribution of the relief items.
“As directed by His Excellency, our focus will be on the most vulnerable among us, including women groups, widows, persons with special needs and youth groups. We will work closely with our local government and ward coordinators to ensure that these items reach beneficiaries in all parts of the state.”
He expressed appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his inclusive, fair and religion-friendly style of governance, which he said has continued to promote peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths in Gombe State.
The relief items distributed include 1,100 bags of rice, 1,100 cartons of macaroni, 1,100 pieces of Atampa fabric, and 11 bales of Shadda Brocade, to be equitably shared among vulnerable members of the Christian community across the 11 Local Government Areas of the state.
The gesture, is aimed at easing the burden on families during the festive period while promoting the values of love, sharing and togetherness that define the Christmas season.
Recall that Governor Inuwa Yahaya had earlier approved the disbursement of over N150 million to individuals, groups, organisations and associations across Gombe State as part of his seasonal support initiatives.
