My Binoculars : Of Boko Haram, Nigerian soldiers, the Kana Mani foundation and Christmas

My Binoculars : Of Boko Haram, Nigerian soldiers, the Kana Mani foundation and Christmas

By: Sam Kayode

I got to know Bishop Emmanuel Kana Mani within the last seven years of reporting conflict in Borno state. He loved humanity as Christ loved his church. Likewise his family God gave to him. He went through deep pains like the rest of us yet he was always calm, cool and focused on eternity.

Working in north east Nigeria, is like walking in the valley of the shadow of death. Everyone in the peaceful states expect you to fear evil because of the RPG’s of the insurgents which could kill instantly. But with the protection of God and the wise sayings of being fearless men of God like Baba, our spirits are always lifted. Baba Kana Mani as we call him was highly revered by residents in Maiduguri.

He was a former chair of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who witnessed both sides of the two religions in the state. Zuru born Mani showed love to the people while he lived and many are still missing his persona which used to fill any public space he entered while he served the north east as the Chief servant of the Anglican communion. Before joining the clergy, Mani, enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 1968 where he became a military chaplain. He was ordained in 1983 into the Anglican communion and elected Bishop of Maiduguri in 1990.

Baba Mani became the ArchBishop of Jos in 2002 and contributed in opening many branches of the Anglican Church before the destructive advent of ISWAP and Boko Haram. Baba Mani died as an Emeritus Bishop 2017 after holding the insurgency fort for a long time and standing as a grand commander of the Christian faith and protector of his people against the evils of the enemy. It is for this and many other reasons, the Kana Mani foundation was started by one of his sons Tom kana Mani with total support by Mummy Sarah Mani, the widow of the late emeritus Bishop.

The Kana Mani foundation

With the demise of Baba kana Mani, so many of his disciples have risen to the task of shining the light of Christ and showing love to the entirety of all those who come across them. His biological children are  not left out of this because Tom kanamani has decided to use his energy as a young man to encourage young people to praise the Lord using music which was one of his father’s gifts. Tom, a graduate of history, has equally set a high standard for himself by inducting young people into the foundation who move along evangelizing about peace and love, the only antidote against the present violence that has engulfed the entire country. They have used the kana Mani foundation to evangelize and bring smiles to many people he has come across.

Christmas in Giwa Barracks after several days of silent nights

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Christmas is a period of sober reflection for those  who believe in Jesus Christ as the author of their faith and what He stands for in the realm of contemporary humanity. That is why Christians were thrilled in Giwa barracks during the beginning of the yuletide when the commanding officer Lt Col Nathaniel Yakubu convened a gathering of believers within and outside the barracks to celebrate the birth of Christ after a long time. Many choir groups performed to the glory of God. As a matter of fact, it was a big deal when the kana Mani kids took the stage and thrilled the audience. It gave a real sense of purpose to the audience made up of soldiers, wives of personnel and lots of civilians who thronged the barracks football pitch to witness the occasion with excitement.

The sermon reminded the gathering that Christmas was about Christ who was given to mankind by God to be salvaged even as he called for people to humble themselves and serve God while they are alive. Rev. Solomon Jonah, Asst. Vicar, St. Stephen’s Military Church Giwa Barrack, reminded christians to have a sober reflection on the reason for the season adding that Christmas is not a period for young people joining occultist organizations and celebrating brigandry. He berated young people who claim to know God yet they terrorize each other with dangerous weapons.

The man of God called on Nigerians to be happy and not to be worried about the things of the world because we have a limited time on Earth within which we must prepare to return home to live forever with our creator. He asked the gathering to change and reflect on their eternal salvation which is very important if they must remain as followers of Christ. The side attraction of the occasion included many other groups which were asked to perform. Cash gifts were shown to all performing groups to motivate them to do more next Christmas.

My Binoculars : Of Boko Haram, Nigerian soldiers, the Kana Mani foundation and Christmas