To alleviate the impact of the current economic challenges on families, The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has donated educational materials to the pupils of the Nigerian Red Cross Nursery and Primary School in Makoko, Lagos, and foodstuffs to 70 households in the community, worth ₦5.2 million.

A section of pupils of The Red Cross Primary and Nursery School with the items received from BSN

The Production and Programme Manager, BSN, Mrs. Grace Benjamin, who represented The Society’s General Secretary/CEO, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, explained that the donation was part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility initiative called The Macedonian Call.

She noted that the school bags, books, pens, Bibles, and foodstuffs donated to the pupils and their parents were aimed at helping them cope with the current economic challenges in the country.

“This is not our first time in Makoko. We have visited Makoko twice before. We are here this morning to give our lovely pupils school bags, books, pens, and Bibles. We will give their parents some foodstuffs. We know that this will not solve all their problems, but we want to help alleviate the current economic challenges they face. The government is trying on its part to address the country’s food crisis, but this is our way of showing that we are a socially responsible organisation,” she noted.

According to Mrs. Benjamin, The Society is not only determined to meet the scriptural needs of Nigerians; it is also supporting the government to make life better for citizens, especially the vulnerable ones.

The Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross, Lagos State Branch, Mr. Olakunle Lasisi, appreciated BSN for the donations and promised that the non-governmental organisation will continue to partner with other credible organisations to protect the vulnerable members of the society.

“When partners come around, we are always delighted, because no organisation can do it alone.  We equally look for opportunities for our students and pupils,” he added.

One of the elated beneficiaries of the donations whose daughter attends the Nigerian Red Cross Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Adebanke Fagbamila, said that the school packs and foodstuffs from the BSN would ease some financial burden on her family.

“I appreciate the first gift, which is the Bible, and the school bag, because she didn’t have a Bible, and her school bag is torn. And I believe that the Bible is going to take her a long way in helping me to teach her things about God,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel, stated, “I just thank the organisers of the programme, for the efforts and everything they have put into organising this programme, because I know the programme doesn’t just end here. It spreads across the state.

“What they have given us may not solve our lifetime challenges, but at least to an extent, the school bags, books, pens, and food—we all know how much they cost,” he said.

The Society has announced a budget of N943m for 2026, dedicated to Bible translations and organising impactful programmes that engage people with the Word of God across the country.

The Macedonian Call, which commenced in 2018, is one of BSN’s intervention programmes. This project has benefited over 40,000 people in over 18 Internally Displaced People’s Camps in Abuja, Adamawa, Taraba, Edo, and Benue States.

Some members of the Makoko community with the items received from BSN