By Zainab Faruk
The Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, has distributed Christmas food items to women groups, churches, and vulnerable persons across the state, as part of efforts to promote compassion, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the event held in Bauchi, the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, described the occasion as a moment of joy and reflection, particularly for Christian faithful celebrating Christmas.
“It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all to this important occasion marking the distribution of Christmas gifts to women and vulnerable persons,” she said, while congratulating Christians on the celebration of the season, which she described as one that symbolizes love, compassion, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
Hajiya Aishatu emphasized that the Christmas season serves as a reminder for all citizens to uphold values of tolerance, care, and mutual respect in their daily lives, regardless of religious differences, in order to strengthen harmony within the state.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to sustaining development programmes that empower citizens, particularly women and children.
According to her, items distributed this year to women groups and churches across the state include 250 bags of rice, 24 cartons of six-litre vegetable oil, 25 cows, and 14 bags of sugar, to be shared among beneficiaries for the festive period.
While urging those entrusted with the items to ensure fair and judicious distribution, the First Lady expressed hope that the gesture would ease the burden on families during the Christmas celebration and in the days leading into the new year.
She also called on mothers and caregivers to remain vigilant in guiding and monitoring their children, stressing the need to instill discipline, good morals, and values that would shape them into responsible leaders of tomorrow.
Hajiya Aishatu thanked participants for attending the event and wished residents of the state a merry Christmas, continued peace, progress, and unity.
She concluded with prayers for the prosperity of Bauchi State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.