In a recent Facebook post, Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and head of the Hungary Helps Program, announced that his mission had arrived in Nigeria—a country that has been a key focus of Hungary’s humanitarian efforts for the past seven years.
Azbej highlighted Nigeria’s vast human potential, noting that the country, with its rich cultural values and a young, dynamically growing population, faces severe challenges. “Humanitarian disasters, violent conflicts, slow economic development, and desertification are pushing its inhabitants into an increasingly hopeless situation—forcing many to choose migration,” he explained.
The Secretary of State also drew attention to the dire situation of Nigerian Christians. He stated that terrorist organizations have been instilling fear in various regions and that Nigeria has become the country with the highest number of Christians murdered for their faith. “Last year alone, nearly five thousand Christians lost their lives due to persecution. Hungary stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people, especially with Christians suffering persecution,” he emphasized.
We love you Hungarians, thank you very much! “- this inscription greeted us on the wall of the nursing training institute of the Catholic Church of Nigeria, Onitsha. It was a touching and uplifting experience to experience how much Hungarian help means to the locals.
In recent years, the Reka Fodor program and the excellent Hungarian doctor serving here, via Hungary Helps – Magyarország segít – Afréka:
more than 10.000 patients with malaria and typhoid have received screening and treatment,
These young people with difficulty not only want a living, but also to heal – they teach very hard to create a future for their communities.
The smile of young people, the shared celebration from the heart, and the words of gratitude belong not only to the Hungary Helps Program, but also to every Hungarian.
Hungary is helping, because we believe: solidarity crosses borders.
As part of Hungary’s commitment, the government has supported life-saving humanitarian and social services in the region with several million dollars over recent years. “We did this out of Christian solidarity—and also to help those living here build a future in their own country rather than face dangerous migration to Europe,” Azbej noted.
During his visit, Azbej outlined the goals of his mission: to personally assess the results of Hungarian support, understand the basic needs of communities affected by humanitarian crises, and lay the foundation for new, life-saving programs. He mentioned plans to meet with church and government leaders, as well as survivors of mass murder attacks. “We will not leave them alone. They can count on us,” he assured.
The visit was warmly received by local communities. On the wall of the nursing training institute of the Catholic Church of Nigeria in Onitsha, a heartfelt inscription read, “We love you Hungarians, thank you very much!” reflecting the deep gratitude of the locals.
Recent successes of Hungary’s programs in Nigeria were also highlighted:
- More than 10,000 patients with malaria and typhoid have received screening and treatment through the Reka Fodor program.
- Hungarian aid contributed to maintaining a Catholic orphanage during COVID.
- An SUV was donated to the hospital in Onitsha.
- Currently, 500 nurse apprentices are studying at an institution funded by Hungary, with these young people striving not only for a livelihood but also to heal and build a future for their communities.
On a Facebook post Peter Ejembi praised the visit, saying, “Thank you very much, Your Excellency, for coming to see all your efforts in bringing a future to many Nigerians. We appreciate your presence and excellent leadership. We wish you good things always and a safe journey to you and the team.”
With a compassionate heart and a commitment to solidarity that crosses borders, Hungary continues to demonstrate that both Christian values and a deep sense of responsibility drive its humanitarian efforts.
About The Author
Discover more from Faith & Freedom News - FFN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
