The Pastor of Champions for Christ Chapel, Asaba, Delta State, Rev. Samuel Akpan-Isong, has raised the bar in humanitarian intervention by supporting no fewer than 40 children with N50,000 each to enable them return to school and pursue their academic goals.

The initiative, which amounted to N2 million in cash donations, was designed to cushion the financial burden on parents as schools reopen for a new academic session amid the economic challenges confronting many Nigerian families.

Presenting the cash assistance in Asaba, Rev. Akpan-Isong said the intervention was borne out of his concern for children whose education could be disrupted because their parents were struggling to meet increasing financial obligations.

He said the current economic situation had made it increasingly difficult for parents to shoulder the responsibilities associated with raising and educating their children.

According to him, the back-to-school assistance was necessary because “parents carrying this kind of responsibility in this kind of economy is problematic,” stressing that the gesture was intended to provide immediate relief and ensure that children were able to resume their studies.

“I just thought about it and realised that we have come to September and they are going back to school. We need to assist their parents for them to start school,” he said.

The cleric said his philosophy of giving was anchored on the belief that those who had been blessed had a responsibility to become blessings to others, particularly vulnerable children.

“I don’t believe in primitive accumulation. If I tell you what I’ve just given out now, it will look like a flood. Some of them are getting that little token, some 50, some 40, depending on their family situation and all that, just to help them,” he said.

He added: “What’s the essence? If I’m a pastor, I’m blessed, I should also bless others. I think there is nothing wrong with that. In short, I want to be a blessing to every child.”

Akpan-Isong further said “What you see me doing now is based on humanitarian level. I think God is leading me to be involved in humanitarian assistance and things like that,” he stated.

Beyond the immediate financial assistance, the cleric charged the beneficiaries to take their education seriously and remain focused on achieving their academic aspirations.

“Back to school, and focus. Prepare your mind to achieve the best in your academic goals. If nothing goes into your childhood, nothing will come out of it,” he cautioned.

The pastor specifically challenged youths between the ages of 15 and 25 to use the period to learn, develop themselves and understand the traditions and values that would guide them through adulthood.

He also gave the beneficiaries a strong admonition, telling them: “Don’t be the reason your parents are not happy.”

Akpan-Isong equally called on government at all levels to do more in developing policies and programmes that would protect children, support families and ensure that young Nigerians were not left behind because of economic hardship.

He urged government to “raise the bar” by introducing stronger measures capable of carrying children along in the scheme of things and providing them with the opportunities required to achieve their potential.

“I expect the government to do beyond what is happening now,” he said, stressing that government intervention remained crucial in addressing the challenges confronting children and their families.

He, however, encouraged other individuals, religious organisations, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians who had the capacity to support vulnerable children to embrace similar humanitarian interventions.