Ibironke Ariyo
The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan has urged inmates of the Kuje Custodial Centre to seize the opportunity of their incarceration to transform their lives and become better individuals.
Cardinal Onaiyekan made the call during his annual Yuletide visit to the centre, where he celebrated with the inmates and shared messages of hope, joy, and redemption.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Samson Duza, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT command, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit formed part of his activities annually to visit inmates of the custodial Centre, to identify with them and to signify how important they are.
The Cardinal, who was moved by the inmates’ plight, encouraged them to develop themselves while in custody.
“Your current situation is not a definitive end. You must brace up by taking advantage of their current situation to develop themselves,” he said.
He said that the year 2024 yuletide celebration theme for the inmates was hope, joy and happiness urging them not to give up, but have hope, and be joyful and happy in every circumstance.
“You are not defined by your current circumstances. Many people have risen to greatness after experiencing difficult situations.
“I urge you to see your incarceration as a preparatory ground for future success,”he said.
Cardinal Onaiyekan reminded the inmates that they were not alone, and that there were people who cared about them and wanted to help.
He expressed sympathy for their situation, saying, “I wish I had the power to free all of you, but I believe that many of you will be discharged before the next Christmas celebration,”.
In his remark, the Controller of Corrections, (CC), FCT Command, Olatubosun Ajibogun called on the inmates, to see their incarceration as a preparatory ground for greatness.
Ajibogun, who was represented by the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) incharge of Operations, Mr Oguama Ambrose, also expressed hope that he was seeing very useful and prominent Nigerians amongst them.
The controller appreciated the Cardinal for his consistent show of love and concern for the inmates.
“We appreciate your commitment to visiting the custodial centre every year. Your presence is a source of inspiration and hope for the inmates,”he said.
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Sunday Chukwukelu, expressed gratitude for the continuous show of love to them during the yuletide.
The inmates, who said they were inspired by the Cardinal’s message, thanked him for his kindness and assured him of their determination to turn their lives around.
NAN reports that the celebration featured music, drama, and exchange of gifts, and was seen as a morale-booster for the inmates.
