The President Of the Nigeria Baptist, Rev’d Israel Akanji has called on well-heeled Nigerians, Stakeholders to show compassion and magnanimity towards inmates, as they are also valuable members of the community.
He said this during a visit to Nigeria Correctional Service, Agodi Custodian Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, marking his birthday celebration.
While addressing journalists on the reason for the visit, the leader of the Baptist Convention said, the visit is coming as a follow up to the earlier visit during the Easter Celebration.
He said: “We made a visit to the inmates during Easter to pray with them and share the word of God with them. Hence, ever since the first experience, we were motivated to make a return as we were impressed by their presentation and attitudes. Also, we noticed that their worship centre was leaking. There, we made a promise to come back help them fix their worship Centre and also then, we were motivated to bring a loaf of bread to each of the over a thousand inmates, which we brought here today.”
Speaking further on the need for compassion and call against marginalization of inmates, Akanji said: “Everybody makes mistakes, there are people who are suffering here because they make mistakes. However, they are human beings, our brothers and sisters, fellow Nigerians. They need our attention, and we need to come to their aid”
“In the midst of all of these, there are some that are innocent here, who are here because they were caught at the wrong places at the wrong time which could happen to any of us, that is the reason we need to show compassion. And for those who did wrong, they can also change.”
“Hence, we are appealing to all those who can help their situation to arise and help to make the society better.”
The President also called for improvement and monitoring among the inmate.
He called for reduced sentence for improved and changed inmates who have turned a new leaf.
While responding to the visit, the Assistant Deputy Commandant, Samuel Oluwole Ayodele appreciated the visit of the Nigeria Baptist Convention.
He called on the Government to look more into their welfare and look into Amnesty for some of the inmates.
Activities performed during the visit includes prayer for the inmates and the distribution of over 1000 loafs of bread to the inmates at the custodian Centre.
