By Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Southern Kaduna buzzed with excitement over the weekend as Senator Sunday Marshall Katung marked his 64th birthday by donating food items and N11 million in cash to orphans, widows, and vulnerable people across Kaduna South Senatorial District. The event, held on Saturday, 5 April 2025, coincided with his mother’s birthday.
Katung, born 1 April 1961 in Madakiya, Zangon Kataf LGA, said this annual tradition reflects his joy in helping the needy. “I derive pleasure from sharing with the people, especially the vulnerable who were in need,” he told crowds at Rafiki Orphanage near Kafanchan, ECWA Widows’ Training School in Zangon Kataf, and Gweimen Centre in Jaba LGA.
Gideon Gwani, chair of the distribution committee, said the gesture promotes unity and kindness. “The food items donated were bags of rice, indomie, semolina and spaghetti, worth millions,” he noted. At Rafiki, Rev Yunusa Madu prayed for Katung, calling aid to orphans “noble.” Alhassan Garba of Jama’atu Nasril Islam added, “If one helps them, one is crediting one’s personal account and making deposit with one’s maker.”
Dignitaries praised Katung. Prof John Laah thanked him for pushing the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, while Hon Dogara Mato, ex-Deputy Speaker, said, “It’s necessary to do whatever we can to encourage children to grow.” PDP zonal chair Hon Yusuf Akuso hailed Katung’s welfare efforts, and state PDP chair Hon Edward Masha urged others to follow his lead.
At the Widows’ Training Centre, Hon Lolo, PDP women leader, encouraged resilience, saying, “Senator Katung believes in them and shall continue to render assistance.” Hon Danjuma Bello Sarki donated N50,000, sparking more contributions. At Gweimen, heads of the centres—Cornelius Samuel, Sarah Bature, and Dr Felicia Kajang—expressed gratitude, as did beneficiary Amina Musa, who urged Katung to keep helping.