CBN has been reaching out to the people of Nigeria for many years through its television programs and with various humanitarian projects. Since 2002 many villages in remote areas have received the gift of clean water. Through these efforts many Nigerians are accepting Christ as their personal savior

Ben Edwards prays at the commissioning.

Tudun Fulani, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, is one such village. It has a population of about 5,000 people. Their main occupation is trading. They are Muslims with a few Christian believers. The community doesn't enjoy any government facility. They have relied on water from open wells.

The Tudun Fulani well was commissioned in May by Ben Edwards, CBN WorldReach vice president from Virginia Beach, USA. On arrival at the village, the commissioning team was welcomed by a traditional (fulfulde) flutist. Villagers were indeed overwhelmed with the gift of the bore well. Other ethnic groups in the village like the Ibo people came out with dances to receive the guests. It was indeed a great occasion in the village.

Ben Edwards and Kim Mitchell

The Chief of the Village Alhaji Mohammed Gwadabe welcomed CBN and the two other chiefs represented at the occasion. He dressed Ben Edwards and Kim Mitchell, director of operations for CBN International, with the traditional chieftain's wear. He then officially gave permission to declare the well open. The chief in his words, said, "on behalf of my community I welcome you to this village. Thank you for helping my people. I thank CBN and its partners for loving us. May God bless you. I will never forget your love for my people."

Also the women's leader in the village, Hajiya Balarabe Abdu Yakeem, expressed appreciation for the well on behalf of the women in that community. She also asked CBN to help the women in that community with skill acquisition and economic empowerment programs.

Drinking from the well.

After that wonderful welcome demonstrated by members of the Tudun Fulani community, Ben Edwards was given the honor of commissioning the well. He encouraged the people from the Word of God. And he prayed for the people of the community and for the people who responded to the message.

After that the group proceeded to the well site amidst a large crowd of people. At the well site, Ben prayed over the well and cut the tape to declare the well open to the glory and honor of God.

Also present at the commissioning were Victor Oladokun, host and producer of CBN's Turning Point TV program, Felix Oisamoje, general manager Anglophone West Africa, John Kalma, Operation Blessing manager, and the production team of CBN Nigeria.

At the well

A hygiene lecture took place a week later at the well site. About 100 people attended. They were instructed on how to take good care of their drinking water. They were advised never to expose it to any dirt. They were also told to protect the bore well from being misused either by adults or children.

An outreach was organized one week after the well commissioning. About 325 people were exposed to the gospel during the crusade. 83 people gave their lives to Christ.