The Minister of Youths and development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, has distributed essential palliatives to support two thousand underprivileged and vulnerable families in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria.
The Minister said the initiative aims to provide much needed relief to those who are facing economic hardships, ensuring that basic necessities and support reach those who need them most.
The palliatives were distributed after the Christian and Muslim prayers and lecture sessions with the theme: Unity and Patriotism, held at the National Ecumenical Center and the National Mosque on Saturday, 28th October, 2023.
This was in commemoration of her inauguration as Minister of Youth and development by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the occasion, the Honourable Minister explained that she decided to share palliatives instead of organising parties because she believes that her appointment is a call to serve and there are a lot of less privileged people who are living below the poverty line due to the economic situation in the country.
She said, “I reflected deeply and realised that it is not really time for me to celebrate because of the situation of the country, and because my appointment is a trust bestowed on me, sometimes I consider it a burden but I am delighted to serve as I represent 75% of Nigeria’s population many of whom are living under the poverty line.”
The Minister disclosed that she intends to donate a total of five thousand packs of food items to be distributed to beneficiaries in Abuja and her home State, Kwara.
Dr. Ibrahim urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the administration of President Bola Tinubu to be able to steer the affairs of the nation in the right direction so as to move the nation to greater heights.
She handed over one thousand packs of food items to the representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Samson Fatokun, to be distributed to the needy among the clergy, women and youth members of the church.
In response, Apostle Fatokun who is also the General Secretary of CAN, appreciated the Honourable Minister for her kind gesture and promised that the palliatives will be given to the people they are meant for.
Speaking on Unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship, the President of the FCT Baptist Conference, Rev, Dr. Gwana Dogara said the youths must be made to see the possibility of a new nation inspired by a renewed hope agenda which must go beyond rhetoric to concrete actions.
“Until we prioritize the values that defines us as a people, responsible citizenship will remain a mirage. The percentage of the citizenry that identifies with the national value system determines the wealth of that nation,” he further stated.
At the National Mosque Abuja, the Minister reiterated the reason for her decision to reach out to the needy instead of a jamboree adding that as a Muslim, she knows that her creator will question her on the way she handles her appointment as a Minister.
She called on Nigerians to put aside their differences and come together to build a greater and stronger nation.
One thousand packs of food items were also donated to the Mosque for onward distribution to the needy.
Imam Adeyemi and Hajiya Maryam Lemu who spoke on leadership, called on the nation’s leaders to lead with the fear of God and asked Nigerians to pray for their guidance and success.
