By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN), in partnership with the UK-based Barnabas Aid Foundation, has commenced a major Christmas humanitarian outreach, distributing food items to 5,000 vulnerable households across northern Nigeria.

Beneficiaries of the intervention include widows, persons living with disabilities, victims of religious violence, and internally displaced families affected by insecurity and displacement in the region.

Items distributed include bags of rice, beans, maize and garri, as well as groundnut oil, palm oil, sugar, seasoning cubes and salt. The relief materials are intended to ease the economic hardship faced by struggling families during the Christmas season.

Speaking during the distribution on Wednesday, Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, described the exercise as both a humanitarian and spiritual intervention.

“The Northern Christian Association has received support from Barnabas Aid to assist victims of violence, vulnerable persons and people living with disabilities. We are currently reaching 1,000 families in Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State,” Hayab said.

He added that the organisation also prays with beneficiaries to offer emotional and spiritual encouragement. “Beyond the material support, we want them to know that someone cares and that they are not alone,” he said.

Hayab explained that the Christmas outreach extends beyond Kaduna State, with beneficiaries in Borno, Plateau, Benue and other violence-affected states in the North. He noted that additional communities would be reached in the coming days.

According to him, the intervention is part of a broader strategy that combines humanitarian assistance with advocacy and long-term support.

“You cannot tell people ‘don’t kill’ when they are hungry. Our approach integrates spiritual, physical, emotional, social and educational care to show that we are genuinely committed to the well-being of our communities,” Hayab said.

He disclosed that the 2025 Christmas outreach represents one of Northern CAN’s largest humanitarian efforts, with tens of thousands of individuals expected to benefit, based on an average household size of five to ten persons. Plans are also underway to sustain similar interventions into 2026.

Barnabas Aid Foundation, which provided financial and logistical support for the programme, has a long-standing record of assisting vulnerable communities globally. The partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between local and international organisations in addressing humanitarian challenges.

Hayab further revealed that beyond the festive period, Northern CAN plans to expand its education, healthcare and livelihood support programmes in 2026 to ensure sustained impact.

“This is more than charity; it is about dignity, love and care. We want people to know they are seen, heard and valued,” he said.

Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing the assistance as timely and impactful amid prevailing economic difficulties.