By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Dr Ipalibo Banigo, Thursday, gifted 300 bags of 25kg rice and other food items to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, at the Durumi Camp in Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, to celebrate Christmas.

Senator Banigo in her remarks reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the less privileged and vulnerable communities across the FCT.

She explained that the intervention was part of her modest effort to uplift the displaced persons and show solidarity with them.

She said: “Today is Christmas Day, a time to share how God has blessed us and to express the love of Jesus Christ. I am a product of His love, grace and mercy, and this is my opportunity to show that love to others.

“We are here to deliver vital support to this community. Christmas is about sharing love, giving gifts, and giving back to society. We came to put smiles on their faces and celebrate with them.

“This is just a token of my love by coming to share joy with them. Helping the less privileged beautifies the soul, and that is very important to me.

“Today, we are distributing 300 bags of 25kg rice and 300 packs of spaghetti to help ease the struggle of putting food on the table as we mark the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Banigo who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, said Christmas provided an opportunity to share God’s love with others.

“I am showing them love today, and I am thankful to God for those who have received this love, because there is joy in heaven for every soul touched.

“No one chooses to leave their home because they want to. Many of these people lost their homes, loved ones and livelihoods. We will continue to do everything possible to provide shelter and security so they can return to their homes”, she added.

Meanwhile, in her remarks, the Women Leader of the camp, Liyatu Ayuba, described Senator Banigo as “God-sent” for choosing to celebrate Christmas with the IDPs.

According to Ayuba, the Senator’s gifts and visit turned what could have been a sad Christmas into a joyful celebration.

“While many people are celebrating Christmas with their families, dancing and eating, you chose to come here and share the love of Jesus Christ with us.

“We had prayed that this Christmas would not be filled with tears but with joy, and today our prayers have been answered. May Almighty God bless you, grant you long life and prosperity, and protect you always”, she said.