Northern CAN Christmas aid supports 5,000 vulnerable households across northern Nigeria with food items, prayers, and humanitarian assistance this festive season
The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN), in partnership with UK-based Barnabas Aid Foundation, has launched one of its largest Christmas humanitarian initiatives, distributing essential food items to 5,000 vulnerable households across northern Nigeria.
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The programme targets widows, persons living with disabilities, victims of religious violence, and internally displaced families.
Items distributed include rice, beans, maize, garri, groundnut and palm oil, sugar, seasoning cubes, and salt to alleviate festive-season hardships.
Speaking at the distribution event on Wednesday, Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, described the initiative as both a spiritual and humanitarian gesture.
“Beyond providing material support, we also engage in prayers with recipients to show that someone cares and that they are not alone,” he said.
Hayab noted that the effort extends beyond Kaduna State to Bauchi, Plateau, Benue, and other northern states affected by violence and displacement, with more communities expected to benefit in the coming days.
Highlighting the broader purpose, he added, “Humanitarian support must go hand in hand with advocacy. Our approach combines spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and educational care to show our communities that we are committed to their well-being.”
The 2025 Christmas relief represents one of Northern CAN’s largest efforts to date, with plans to sustain similar programmes into 2026.
The initiative is projected to reach tens of thousands of individuals, assuming an average household size of five to ten people.
Barnabas Aid Foundation, which provided financial and logistical support, has a long history of assisting vulnerable communities worldwide.
Its partnership with Northern CAN highlights the impact of local and international collaboration in addressing humanitarian crises.
Hayab revealed that the organisation plans to expand support for education, healthcare, and livelihood programmes in 2026, ensuring year-round assistance.
“This is more than charity. It is an affirmation of dignity, love, and care. We want people to know that they are seen, heard, and valued,” he said.
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Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, describing the initiative as a lifeline during the festive season.
