Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, The Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has donated cash and bags of rice to about 1,435 beneficiaries in Niger and Kebbi states.
The cash donation and consumables, which include noodles, seasonings, drinks, biscuits, bags of rice, and maize, were shared simultaneously among the beneficiaries of parishes in Kontagora Diocese.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Kontagora, Bishop Yohanna said it was an annual activity and a gesture to reach out to widows, widowers, orphans, and those in need.
According to him, “the gesture is geared towards improving the lives of the poor and even the less privileged in society.
“The list rose from the last time we reached out to a little above 1,000 beneficiaries. So far, for this time around, we are reaching out to 1,435 beneficiaries in the Kontagora Diocese and both parishes in Niger and Kebbi states.”
While expressing their joy, the beneficiaries commended the CAN Chairman for touching their lives, adding that “this gesture can only be from God.”.
A beneficiary, Madam Godiya Adamu, who spoke to newsmen, said she was overwhelmed with joy and expressed appreciation that the gesture from the bishop will help cushion the effect of the hardship currently biting them.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, has challenged the Niger State government on the full implementation of the just-signed 2024 budget, which provided for over N7 billion to revamp the state media houses.
Comrade Abu, who made this known while speaking to journalists on his New Year massage at IBB Pen House in Minna, expressed concern over the attitude of the Northern government and governors towards the media and its practitioners, urging them to emulate their Southern counterparts, who meticulously create good images through the media.
He urged the media and its practitioners to keep hope alive despite the daunting challenges of list pay and deprivation; hence, they should not be deterred by the current situation when exhibiting professionalism and a code of ethics in carrying out their duties.
He called on Nigerian leaders to be responsive to the yearning and aspirations of the common man through empathy by responding to the immediate needs of the vulnerable groups in society.
He stated that citizens deserved more from the government than the current situation by providing temporary and permanent solutions to the present economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.
Comrade Nmodu emphasised the need to embark on development that has a direct bearing on the immediate problems of the people through the deliberate efforts of engaging young Nigerians in productive ventures to enable them to create wealth for themselves.
According to him, leaders should have the fear of God and be modest in their dealings, while commending Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for raising awareness of the green economy and leading an agricultural revolution in Niger State.
