TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
Christ Embassy, Abuja Ministry Centre in collaboration with the Innercity Mission for Children on Friday donated 2000 packages of food items to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for onward distribution to vulnerable members in the territory to cushion the effect of sit-at-hom presidential order.
Making the donations, the Senior Pastor of Abuja Ministry Centre, Rev. Tom Amenkhienan, said that the gesture was in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ to reach-out to the poor in time of needs.
He, however, revealed that the ministry had fed over 3000 households in Waru, Wassa, Kuchigoro, Durumi 1, Durumi 11, Durumi 111, Asokoro Extension all in the Federal Capital Territory during the lockdown period, adding that provisions have been made for over 50 orphanages in the territory.
His words: “I am glad to be here today with some of our senior ministers and pastors to tell you that we recognize your efforts to reach-out to residents of the Federal Capital Territory at this time of pandemic. Let me begin by saying thank you to our dear man of God, Dr. Rev. Christ Oyakhilome, who has raised us to be agents of change and to reach out for the human need and meet that need.
“So seeing the crisis that the whole world has been plunged into by the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to reach-out in collaboration with the Innercity Mission for Children under the auspices of Christ Oyakhilome Foundation to reach-out to many communities.
“A few days ago, we reached out to over 10 communities to give out food to over 3000 families in Waru, Wassa, Kuchigoro, Durumi 1, Durumi 11, Durumi 111, Asokoro Extension to name a few. We have concluded that exercise and move ahead to make provisions for 50 orphanages to be distributed by ourselves.
“But to compliment the work that you are doing, seeing that you have sent out to bring some palliatives, we decided to come today with 2000 packages to reach-out to 2000 families and in each of them contain rice, beans, yam, garri, and 2000 face masks you can help the community with, and 250 hand sanitizers.
“We believe that God has raised us up in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ to reach-out to the needy, visit those who are sick in the hospitals, those in prison and to help those that have needs. So, in line with the life of Christ and his teachings, we are here today to support the efforts of the government and to make available these materials,” Amenkhienan adfed.
While receiving the palliative items on behalf of the administration, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, thanked the ministry for identifying with the administration especially at this critical period of COVID-19 pandemic.
Aliyu, used the occasion to acknowledge the support of the Innercity Mission for Children by renovating and equipping the Maternal and Child Healthcare Centre in Waru community, noting that the project has assisted in no small measure to widen the scope of healthcare delivery system in the nation’s capital.
According to her, “We want to appreciate the leadership of intercity mission for children under the auspices of Christ Embassy Church, Abuja Centre. Few weeks ago, we where in Waru, where you renovated and equipped a befitting Maternal and Child Healthcare centre for the community. That will go a long way to support the administration’s efforts in healthcare delivery system. Keep on doing the good works you are known for. We appreciate your desire to give back to the society.
“We do everything in the FCT Administration with the fear of God. This pandemic period is not a time we wish for, but you have demonstrated that a friend in need is a friend indeed. We are grateful to every organisation that has surprisingly come out to support us to cushion the effect of sit-at-home which has been the best way out globally”, she said.
She, however, assured that the donated palliative items would be distributed to vulnerable communities and workers on frontline in the battle against the Covid-19.