Several notable Christian leaders such as Pastor Yomi Kasali, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Reverend (Rev.) Yusuf Biniyat, and Prophet Isa el Buba and many others gathered on Monday, April 21 for a fundraising concert aimed at supporting victims of insurgency in Northern Nigeria.
The event which was organized by the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA) Church took place at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The concert began around 5 p.m. and concluded at approximately 11:40 p.m on Monday, April 21.
The concert was organized to draw attention to the struggles of insurgency victims in Northern Nigeria and to inspire compassion and support for their plight.
Christian leaders present at the event explored ways to provide meaningful assistance to those affected.
The event was also attended by widows from the North, who shared emotional stories of how they lost their husbands to violent attacks and now face the difficult task of raising their children alone.
The evening featured stirring musical performances by renowned Nigerian gospel artists, such as Mike Abdul, Kaestring, Abbey Ojomu, Wisdom Chigozie, and others.
Their songs were meant to inspire government action toward ending the insurgency.
While addressing the audience, the convener and Senior Pastor of the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Pastor Yomi Kasali, emphasized the need for Southern Christians to show empathy and solidarity with their Northern counterparts to help them remain steadfast in faith.
Pastor Kasali also pointed out that the division within the Christian community, fueled by political influences following the 2015 general elections, had played a role in worsening the insecurity challenges in the country.
He said, “It is regrettable that some Christians remain aloof of their responsibilities toward their brethren in the north.
“It is no longer fashionable to remain on the fence but to take a step to aid those who had lost their bread winners because of ongoing insurgency and banditry in the north.
“We have taken measures to raise funds to ensure that most families/victims are catered for.
“The children who lost their fathers will go back to school, feed and get medicare through the funds.
“We cannot do beyond this as a body but we will continue to pray that this challenge will be halted soon.”
Rev. Yusuf Biniyat, who led the delegation from the North, called on the public to support victims by providing relief materials and initiating community rebuilding efforts.
Also, Prophet Isa el Buba shared harrowing accounts of how communities have been repeatedly targeted and devastated by bandits and insurgents.
He said, “We need strong support of our brethren not just sympathy to restore peace in the region.”
The cleric revealed that over 200 lives had been lost in the northern region in just the past two weeks due to insurgent attacks.
In the same vein, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor expressed sorrow over the ongoing violence and called on churches to back FOTA’s initiative to aid the victims.
He also encouraged the public to support the government’s efforts in securing the region.
Comments