In the spirit of the Yuletide, Brothers Across Nigeria International (BAN INT’L), a nonprofit organization, has provided food items and cash worth N45 million to 145 families of its late members worldwide.
Through its welfare arm, the BAN INT’L Outreach Commission (BANOC), the organization spent over N45 million in December 2024 to support these families, ensuring they could enjoy the festive season despite the absence of their loved ones.
Speaking on the initiative, the Global President of BAN INT’L, Dr. Anthony Mark explained that the objective of BANOC is to ease the burden on the families of deceased members, especially during festive periods.
“In a country like Nigeria, where welfare and economic safety nets are scarce, the death of a breadwinner often leads to severe financial hardship for surviving family members spouses, children, and other dependents. This reality is often more pronounced during festive seasons, which is why BAN INT’L has created structures to support these families,” Dr. Mark stated.
The Chairman of BANOC, Mr. Joseph Amare shed light on the disbursement process, noting that the 2023 pilot under the global leadership of Engr. Azubuike Onowu raised N23 million to support 102 families. Each family received a package worth N150,000, comprising N50,000 in cash and groceries valued at N100,000.
In 2024, the funds raised under the global leadership of Dr. Anthony Mark doubled to N45 million, enabling the program to assist 145 families. Each family received a package totalling N300,000, including N100,000 in cash and groceries worth N200,000. Mr. Amare added that BAN INT’L regional and sub-regional coordinators also provided additional cash and groceries to enhance the support.
Dr. Mark emphasized that “Broda Deliver Broda” is a core principle of BAN INT’L, symbolizing the enduring bond of brotherhood. He explained that BANOC’s activities demonstrate this commitment by supporting the families of their departed members.
“True brotherhood transcends death. BANOC’s efforts serve as both a supplement to the financial support provided to families upon a member’s passing and a testament to the enduring love and unity within BANI,” Dr. Mark said. He added that these gestures reassure families that, although their loved ones are no longer present, their legacy lives on through the Brotherhood.
The BAN INT’L Global President urged other organizations to emulate BAN INT’L model, serving as welfare safety nets and agents of community development.
“In the face of economic challenges and limited welfare systems in Nigeria, organizations, confraternities, alumni associations, and town unions have the potential to fill this gap by supporting their members and communities sustainably,” Dr. Mark remarked.
It’s worthy to note that the BAN Int’l Outreach Commission (BANOC) was created on 17th November 2022 by the former global leadership of Engr. Azubuike Onowu, and since its establishment, BANOC has carried out numerous humanitarian projects such as reaching out to the families of departed members, paying for medical bills of ill members and their wives during childbirth, supporting members via stomach infrastructure projects etc.
