By Emmanuel Kwada
In a heartwarming display of compassion and faith, Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo, fondly known as SIA and former representative of Adamawa North Senatorial District, brought smiles and hope to blind and physically challenged worshippers during a special church service in Yola, Adamawa State.
The event, organized specifically to uplift persons with disabilities, particularly the blind, saw Senator Abbo distribute specially designed Braille Bibles to aid their spiritual reading and communion with God.
The former senator graced the occasion with his presence, joyfully interacting with attendees and extending what he described as “the hands of fellowship” to the community.
Addressing the media at the program, Senator Abbo explained the significance of his gesture: “I attended a special church program organized for the blind and physically challenged persons in Yola to flag off the distribution of Braille Bibles. The Braille Bible is a Bible used by the blind to read using Braille alphabets.”
But the generosity did not end with spiritual nourishment. Recognizing the practical needs of his audience, Abbo went further, distributing N100,000 in cash to each blind person present.
He emphasized that evangelizing without addressing hunger is ineffective, stating, “It didn’t stop there as I felt evangelizing a hungry man is next to doing nothing.”
Reflecting on his decision, the senator shared soberly: “I felt guilty giving only cartons of Bibles to the blind without giving them money when I know that I am blessed enough to give. So I decided to give N100,000 each to everyone that attended the church service that day. It is little, but from the depths of my heart to the glory of God Almighty.”
Drawing from Scripture, Abbo quoted Matthew 4:4, where Jesus says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
Yet, he balanced this with a human perspective: “Despite that, we’re human; we must eat to read. Yes, man cannot live by bread alone, but bread is very important. When you’re hungry, you can’t read well.”
In his concluding remarks, Senator Abbo leaned on Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given unto you… God bless the receivers.” He wrapped up the speech with a melodious Hausa gospel song, “Dai Dai ne, shirin da Allah yayi daidai ne,” filling the atmosphere with praise and unity.
The profound declaration from the philanthropist and former lawmaker: I AM SIA. I BELIEVE.
