Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Respite came the way of inmates at the Abia correctional facility as a non-governmental organisation, the Global Compassion Coalition (GCC), through its Nigeria chapter, Compassion Connectors Nigeria, known for helping the poor and prison inmates, fed over 800 of them.
The NGO partnered Project Dorcas Foundation to feed over 800 inmates at the correctional centre as part of its gestures to show care to humanity in the spirit of Christmas.
Nigerian Gold and Silver medalists at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Onyi Gift Mark, and Ogechi Nwogu, accompanied the NGOs to the custodial centre during the visit on Christmas day.
Speaking during the visit, the Abia State Coordinator, Compassion Connectors Nigeria, Crusader Uche Uwalaka, said their organisation had the passion to help the vulnerable by bringing succour to them.
He revealed that the Nigeria chapter of Global Compassion Coalition had a prison project known as Compassion Champion project.
Uwalaka noted that his organisation had also contributed in payment of “the last WAEC and NECO fees for some inmates.”
Preaching a sermon, the founder of Project Dorcas Foundation, Uche Ama-Ohaka, urged the inmates to be transformed by keying into the messianic work of Jesus.
He noted that some of them could have been jailed unjustly, and encouragd them not to lose hope.
“Though some of you could be there for offences you may not have committed or circumstantial reasons, but I urge you to use this period to change your ways of life, if you don’t change here I wondered where else you will change.”
He disclosed that his foundation had paid fines ranging from N30,000 to N200,000 imposed on four convicts who he said would be going home same day.
Preaching also, Pastor Ugochukwu Uchegbu of the Winners’ Chapel, Umuahia, admonished the inmates to repent and embrace Jesus as their saviour.
He said: “I beg you to use your incarceration to renew your faith in God and create a new vision for yourselves afterwards.”
In their remarks, Mark and Nwogu, respectively, admonished the inmates not to be inhibited by their temporary condition.
They advised that they should use the situation they currently find themselves in as a sober reflection to better themselves once they regain freedom.
Welcoming their guest, the Deputy controller of the centre, Orjiakor Mabia, appreciated the Global Compassion Coalition, Dorcas Foundation for their love and concern for the inmates.
He, therefore, called on other organisations to emulate them.
He used the occasion to appeal for clothes, mattresses and other items for the inmates while adding that the inmates are well fed three times a day.
The highlight of the occasion was the football match between the inmates, GCC stars and Alabama stars FC at the correctional centre football pitch with Alabama stars FC winning on the day.
