Nsukka Traders Celeberate Xmas For Poor People

The Ogige Market Amalgamated Traders Association of Nigeria (OMATAN) has put smiles on the faces of some poor people in Nsukka by celebrating Christmas for them.

During the celebration, members of the association gave out 65 wrappers to women and 20 pairs of shoes to their children.

The Chairman of the association, Mr Festus Onogwu, said the annual celebration was OMATAN’s way of thanking God for His favours and blessings to traders throughout the year.

“This is one of the ways we can thank God for His favours and blessings for the year.

“As traders, we are always on the road to Onitsha, Aba and Lagos to buy goods for sale. It is God that guide our going out and coming in.

“We are giving the people Xmas gifts in order to give them a sense of belonging during this yuletide,’’ he said, adding: “We do it yearly to show appreciation to God.’’

Onogwu said the traders had agreed to close their shops every first Wednesday of the month from 7 a.m. to noon to worship and pray together.

“Since we started the monthly prayer, we have recorded progress in the market. These days, we hardly receive reports of missing items or stealing of goods in the market.

Earlier in his homily during the short mass to mark the association’s last prayer for the month, Rev. Fr. Paul Obayi of Okunerere Catholic Adoration Ministry, Nsukka, urged Christians to always be their brothers’ keeper.

“Remember that God says whatever you do to the least of my brothers you do to me. God is happy with us when we use the wealth he gave us to help others.

“What the OMATAN has done today is a clear demonstration that they acknowledge God as the Alpha and Omega. Always believe that it is only through God that help will come to you.

“Those who give to the poor will never lack,” Obayi said.