By: Ginaba Lino
A global humanitarian organization has unveiled an ambitious humanitarian intervention program in South Sudan aimed at supporting refugees, empowering youth, improving healthcare services, and expanding free education opportunities across the country.
Speaking during a press conference in Juba, officials from the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) said the organization’s mission in South Sudan reflects a long-term commitment to humanitarian support and nation-building partnerships.
The Executive Minister of Humanitarian Services at COFI, Pastor Arinze Emmanuel, said the foundation’s decision to expand operations to South Sudan was inspired by the vision of its founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, whom he described as passionate about supporting vulnerable communities across Africa.
“South Sudan is the youngest nation in the world, and our president believes this nation is ripe for humanitarian intervention.”
Pastor Emmanuel highlighted plans to conduct a major relief mission at a refugee camp in Gorom, including distributing food supplies, relief materials, and medical assistance to displaced families.
According to Pastor Emmanuel, this is the first time the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International is opening a branch in South Sudan, with operations beginning in Central Equatoria State before expanding to other parts of the country.
He added that COFI will launch a youth empowerment initiative targeting at least 1,000 young South Sudanese through vocational training, skills development, and small business support programs.
“We want to empower South Sudanese youth with practical skills and opportunities that will help them become productive citizens and contributors to the economy.”
The organization also pledged support for visually impaired learners through outreach activities to schools for the blind, while promising assistance to vulnerable families and financially struggling faith leaders.
COFI officials said the interventions would be implemented in partnership with the Government of South Sudan, adding that meetings had already been scheduled with the Office of the First Lady and ministries including Humanitarian Affairs and Trade.
“The schools will provide free education, meals, uniforms, and books to disadvantaged children, with similar projects already operating in Uganda, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, and India,” Pastor Emmanuel said.
Officials described the mission as part of a broader effort to restore hope and support long-term development in South Sudan through humanitarian assistance, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment.
The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, and operates as a non-governmental organization affiliated with the LoveWorld Nation Christ Embassy.