Christmas celebration: Gov Idris reaches out to Christians in Kebbi

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kebbi State chapter, has expressed profound gratitude to the State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, for donating three truckloads of rice to Christians in the state to enable them celebrate Christmas with relative ease and happiness.

The appreciation was conveyed by the Kebbi State CAN Chairman, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ayuba Kanta, in Birnin Kebbi on Monday while supervising the distribution of the rice across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Ayuba Kanta described the gesture by Governor Nasir Idris as gracious and magnanimous, noting that it reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to inclusiveness, compassion, and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths in Kebbi State.

He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a similar gesture, explaining that the Federal Government donated 1,200 bags of 50kg rice, while the Kebbi State Government provided three trucks containing about 3,600 bags of 25kg rice.

According to him, the rice is being distributed to CAN structures across the 21 local government areas, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), widows, orphanages, and various CAN groups such as the youth and women wings, Boys’ Brigade, elders’ forum, and other sub-groups.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Ayuba Kanta said, “We bless Almighty God for these good things from our leaders—the President of Nigeria and our magnanimous Governor, His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu. We have never had it so good.”

In his Christmas message, the CAN Chairman described the season as a period of joy and reflection, thanking God for the goodwill shown by both the Federal and State Governments, particularly the Kebbi State Government, towards the Christian community.

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He prayed that the rice donation would reach those who are materially poor but spiritually rich, assuring the government that the items would be judiciously distributed to deserving beneficiaries across the state.

The CAN Chairman also called on Christians and Muslims to continue promoting unity and peaceful coexistence, noting that economic conditions, security, and welfare are gradually improving under purposeful leadership at both the federal and state levels.

He further assured that Christians would continue to pray for Nigeria, its leaders, unity, peace, and development, while also praying for those promoting discord to have a change of heart.

Similarly, the Special Adviser on Christian Affairs, Rev. Dr. Sam Audu, and the Head of ECWA Block CAN, Kebbi State, Hussaini Bara Bauta, on behalf of the entire Christian community, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris, describing the donation as a beacon of hope that would further strengthen unity and mutual respect in the state.