JESSICA JOHN BAKARI
On International Charity Day, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, distributed school materials and uniforms to fifty vulnerable and underprivileged orphans in the state. The event took place at the Catholic Secretariat Jimeta.
Bishop Mamza stated that the act was in honor of the International Day of Charity and to commemorate the impact of Mother Teresa, known for her charitable work towards the needy.
The beneficiaries were carefully selected from IDP Camps and some host communities, highlighting the commitment of the Catholic Diocese of Yola, with support from Justice Peace Development, to provide education and support for those in need.
Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza explained that it is essential to support underprivileged children, regardless of their religions and tribal differences, especially given the current economic hardship and the resumption of school.
Bishop Mamza hopes that the gesture will motivate the children not to be discouraged by the country’s situation, encouraging them to make good use of the writing materials to become contributing members of society.
He also advised people, especially the wealthy, to emulate Mother Teresa’s humanitarian spirit by reaching out to the needy, no matter how small the assistance.
Uyioghosa Igbinigie, the project director of Jesuit Refugee Service, commended the Catholic Diocese of Yola and the Justice Development and Peace Commission for their constant support to the underprivileged in society and called on others to follow suit for the sake of humanity and God.
In their vote of thanks on behalf of the benefiting children, Jessica Joseph and Ezekiel James appreciated Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza for the gesture and promised to make good use of the items given for the intended purpose.
The distributed items included exercise books, pencils, pens, erasers, and rulers, as well as five thousand naira each for their uniforms, and transportation to enable them to return home without difficulties.