The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern region has launched a significant humanitarian outreach, providing essential food supplies to families devastated by banditry and violence in Kaduna State. The initiative, which took place on Monday, 22 December 2025, brought relief to approximately 1,000 vulnerable households.
Comprehensive Relief for Vulnerable Communities
During a flag-off ceremony held in Maraban Rido, Kaduna, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, oversaw the distribution of vital food items. Each beneficiary household received a substantial package designed to alleviate hunger, including a 25kg bag of rice, beans, garri, and maize. Supplementary items such as vegetable oil, palm oil, sugar, salt, and seasonings were also provided to ensure nutritional support.
Reverend Hayab explained that the intervention was strategically focused on two local government areas severely impacted by insecurity: Chikun and Kajuru. He emphasized that the gesture was more than just material aid; it was a mission to "bring happiness, relieve pain and reassure beneficiaries that they were not forgotten during the Christmas season." The program received crucial support from the Barnabas Aid Foundation.
A Holistic Approach to Care and Peacebuilding
The Northern CAN leader framed the food distribution as part of a broader, holistic care model. "This initiative combines spiritual, physical, emotional, social and educational care," Hayab stated. He drew a direct link between hunger and stability, arguing that hunger could undermine peace, dignity and the ability of people to respond positively to calls against violence.
The Vice Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend Jonah Samson, connected the outreach to core Christian principles. He cited the biblical example of Jesus Christ feeding multitudes and noted that the support, while not a permanent solution, offers critical relief, encouragement and succour amid severe economic hardship. "The gesture cuts across denominations and communities," Samson added, urging beneficiaries to pay the kindness forward.
Expanding Reach Across the North
This event in Kaduna is not an isolated act. Reverend Hayab disclosed that it marks the beginning of a larger humanitarian plan. Similar distributions are scheduled to take place in other violence-affected states including Borno, Plateau and Benue. The overarching goal is to support about 5,000 households across Northern Nigeria, directly and indirectly benefiting tens of thousands of individuals.
The community leadership expressed profound gratitude for the intervention. The Village Head of Maraban Rido and Kudansa, Auta Alkali, thanked Northern CAN and its partners on behalf of all beneficiaries. He described the relief materials as a source of hope and encouragement that would significantly reduce hunger in their homes and serve as a powerful reminder that they remain in the thoughts of others during a challenging period.
The distribution event commenced with prayers, underscoring the spiritual dimension of the aid mission, which seeks to address both physical need and emotional well-being in Nigeria's troubled regions.
