Church Provides Emergency Relief to Communities in Nigeria

Five Nigerian States-- Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Plateau and Sokoto--which have recently suffered various humanitarian disasters received, on 28 August 2025, emergency food and non-food supplies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The donation was made to the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria at their national headquarters in Abuja for onward distribution to the affected states.

At the brief handover ceremony, Elder Isaac K. Morrison of The Seventy, Second Counsellor in the Africa West Area Presidency, who represented the Church, made the following remarks:

“It is a sacred honor to speak with you today about a principle central to our discipleship—compassionate service to those in need.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is deeply committed to emergency relief and humanitarian aid worldwide. This dedication stems not from convenience or publicity but from our unwavering belief that every soul is a precious child of God."  He referenced a scripture from the Book of Mormon, found in Mosiah 2:17, that reminds us that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God. He noted that to serve others is, ultimately, to serve the Savior Himself.

He continued: “Worldwide, the Church responds swiftly and compassionately to crises. We build partnerships with trusted organizations, local leaders, and governments to ensure aid reaches those most vulnerable—women, children, the displaced, and the forgotten.’’

Elder Morrison stated that the donation was in response to the request by the National Council of Women Societies for the Church to help provide aid to 2,000 families in the affected States. He concluded his remarks by urging all to “teach our children to serve, inspire communities to care, and be known for love—not possessions. In lifting others, we rise together. In healing wounds, we build peace. And in serving the least, we walk in the Savior’s footsteps.”

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Responding, Princess Edan D. D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), National President, National Council of Women Societies, expressed her gratitude and that of the Council to the Church. “This generous donation of food and non-food items from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is more than just a gift”, she stated. “it is a lifeline that will bring immediate relief and hope to countless women and their families in the five recipient States. Thank you for seeing the need and acting decisively.”

Princess Azura called on the Church to join the Council at the Policy and Implementation level for the Council’s programs for women and children in Nigeria. Specifically, she wants collaboration in: Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship; Quality and Inclusive Education; Maternal Health and the Protection of Children 0 – 5 Years; and Skills Acquisition, especially for people with disabilities.

The donation was witnessed by guests from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, past presidents and board members of the NCWS, State representatives, and inter-faith leaders. In her goodwill message, Dr. Asabe V. Bashir, Director General, Maryam Babangida National Center for Women Development, thanked the Church for living up to its name, stating, “you cannot bear the name of Jesus Christ and not do what He did”.

The donated items include staple foods like rice, beans, gari, vegetable oil, and noodles, along with essential non-food supplies such as soap, toilet paper, and sanitary pads. The NCWS will oversee distribution to ensure aid efficiently reaches those in need. Each of the five states will receive supplies for 400 households for a total of 2,000 households.