In a letter of thanks sent to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto in Nigeria described the aid worth EUR 1 million – which Hungary provided for the African diocese as part of the Hungary Helps Programme – as a vital lifeline. At the same time, he highlighted he was convinced that the Hungarian aid contributes to helping people in a difficult situation in their own country to stay in their native land, instead of leaving it.

At the beginning of June, the Hungarian government decided to support Nigerian Christian families as well as families forming part of other persecuted minorities, and to help these communities to stay in their home country.

“I am convinced that these educational, health care and public policy projects – once implemented – will help to give our people’s faith back, and will strengthen people’s belief that by living in their country they can contribute to the development of their native land,” Matthew Hassan Kukah, who had talks with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also in person in May, in the Carmelite Monastery, wrote in his message.

In his letter, the Nigerian bishop informed the Prime Minister that at the Catholic services to be held in the Diocese of Sokoto in Nigeria throughout the month of July, they will pay tribute to Hungary and the Hungarian Prime Minister, and they will further add Hungary’s national holiday of 15 March to their liturgical calendar.

“We will pray that the Lord’s blessings never abandon you,” Matthew Hassan Kukah wrote in conclusion.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)