Uniting Faith and Aid: Tristan Azbej Honored with Tribal Title as Hungary Supports Nigeria - Faith & Freedom News

In a recent Facebook post, Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and head of the Hungary Helps Program, shared his experiences from the frontlines in Northern Nigeria. He detailed the complex challenges faced in Maiduguri—a city marked by the active presence of Boko Haram and still recovering from last year’s devastating dam break and massive floods that impacted both the city and nearby refugee camps.

“Leave the children alone, do not hinder them, let them come to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such! ”
Mt 19,14

Despite the hardships, Azbej expressed profound admiration for the local Christian community. “They live with a faith that goes beyond suffering—it teaches and uplifts us, too,” he remarked. The primary purpose of the mission was to extend brotherly solidarity and distribute food donations to internal refugees enduring unthinkable ordeals.

Significantly, the visit underscored the spirit of unity beyond religious divides. Azbej noted that the Muslim leadership of the state has shown a strong commitment to fighting extremism and welcomed their humanitarian presence with open hearts. “The local church not only helps suffering Christians but also reaches out to the Muslim brothers and sisters,” he stated.

Maiduguri, according to Azbej, remains the most dangerous place he has ever visited. With heartfelt thanks to Magyar Honvédség for providing air transport and to both Hungarian and Nigerian security specialists for ensuring the mission’s safety, he affirmed, “Our mission in Nigeria continues! The most important thing for us is that help arrives where it is needed the most—locally.”

Expressing the deep connection between Hungary and Nigeria, Azbej shared the Igbo greeting, “Nwanne di na M’ba” (“Brother in a far land”), emphasizing that the bond stems from years of humanitarian collaboration. This close relationship has been strengthened through projects at the Catholic St. Charles Borrome Hospital in Onitsha, where Hungary Helps supports vocational training, an orphanage, and the drilling of drinking water wells in nearby Orlu.

A touching highlight of the visit was when locals honored Azbej with a traditional tribal title. He was bestowed with the title “Onwa N’etili Ora,” meaning “The moon illuminating everything from the middle of the sky,” symbolizing hope and guidance in the darkest times.

The College of Nursing Sciences at St. Charles Borromeo Onitsha expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recent visit by special guests from Hungary. In a warm and uplifting message, the college celebrated the kindness, generosity, and partnership extended by Hungary Helps and Tristan Azbej.

“Relive the joy and warmth of our special visitors from Hungary🤗. Their recent visit was a blessing in many ways, especially with their help in building a brighter future for our students through the construction of our new school building—a gigantic six-floor edifice. We’re forever grateful for their kindness, generosity, and partnership.☺️”

The college’s message also included the hashtags #HungarianFriends and #GREATCONSO, underscoring the strong bonds and shared vision between the institution and its Hungarian partners. The contributions made by Hungary Helps and Tristan Azbej are seen as a pivotal force in enhancing the educational infrastructure and future prospects of the nursing students in Onitsha.

This expression of gratitude not only highlights the tangible impact of international humanitarian aid but also reinforces the deep, enduring ties of solidarity and mutual support between Hungary and Nigeria.