•Colonel Friday Ayanam
In a remarkable demonstration of love and compassion, The Salvation Army, through its Emergency team in Nigeria, has put relief and smiles on the faces of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State.
•Lt. Col. Godspower Anozie (right) with IDPs in Maiduguri
Recall that floods recently rained havoc on the capital of the North East state which resulted in wanton destruction of property and loss of several lives while residents in their thousands were displaced.
During the week, the Emergency team of The Salvation Army stormed four of the IDP camps in one location, namely, The EYN CAN IDP Camp, Cherubim and Seraphim IDP Camp, Evangel Church IDP Camp, and Celestial Church IDP Camp, with food items and hygiene products worth several millions of Naira.
•Major Daniel Ekong (right) with IDPs in Maiduguri
A statement issued this afternoon by the Spokesman of the largest denomination known internationally for its humanitarian services, Major Daniel Ekong, and made available to The Frontier, stated that the flood victims in the camps benefited from the generous distribution of the relief items and were all joyful, expressing gratitude to God and The Salvation for the donations.
According to Major Ekong, the distribution was officially flagged off by the Secretary of the Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joshua Akeredolu, who represented the association’s chairman.
“Before the distribution, the team led by Lieutenant Colonel Godspower Anozie, who represented the Territorial Commander, Colonel Friday Ayanam, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where members of the Emergency team were warmly received by SEMA Director of Admin, Alhaja Yagana,” said Ekong.
The Frontier reports that, in his message to the government and people of Borno State on September 19, titled, “The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory sympathises with the people of Borno State on the recent flood disaster”, the Territorial Commander (National Leader) of the organisation, Colonel Friday Ayanam, had promised to continue to support the state, the government and the people with prayers.
Colonel Ayanam also assured that his organisation would show love to the flood victims with material items.
“As we mourn this tragedy, we are reminded that Borno State, known as the ‘agricultural hub of the nation,’ has been brought to its knees by this unforeseen calamity.
“The current state of the capital and several communities is undeniably tragic, with countless families displaced, homes destroyed, and farming crops ready for harvest washed away,” he said in a statement.
Continuing, Ayanam had said, “We grieve with the affected families and pray that they find the strength to persevere through this challenging time.
“We, The Salvation Army, known for our selfless humanitarian services to crisis affected people without discrimination, want to assure all affected individuals and communities of our unwavering support, both in prayer, practical aid, and psychosocial support as they face this monumental disaster. We stand with you, praying for God’s comfort and peace to soothe your hearts in this trying time. Our thoughts are also with the government and local authorities, as they work tirelessly to manage the crisis and provide relief to those in need.
“We take solace in the words of the scripture: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2, NIV).
“We believe that even in this time of great difficulty, God’s presence will guide and protect the people of Borno State.
“As we pray and extend our support, we express our hope that Borno will soon recover and return to its former glory. We trust that, through collective efforts and God’s mercy, Maiduguri and the surrounding areas will rise again, stronger and more resilient than ever.
“The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory, remains committed to standing alongside the people of Borno State in the journey towards healing and restoration.
“May the souls of those who have lost their lives rest in peace, and may those who have lost homes and livelihoods find solace and strength in the days ahead. We pray for the swift recovery of Borno and for the resilience of its people to overcome this tragedy.”
Founded in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth in East End London, The Salvation Army has stood as a beacon of hope, offering charity and compassion to those in need globally, thus fulfilling the call to love and serve humanity in Jesus name, without any form of discrimination.
