….calls for restorative justice
The Lagos State chapter of Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN) brought festive cheer to 60 families, uniting parents and children of inmates to celebrate the holiday season.
The families were uplifted with words of encouragement and resilience, while also receiving financial support and Christmas goody bags to brighten their celebrations.
The event, dubbed the Angel Tree Program, held at the Strong Tower Sanctuary, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 19, in Ogudu, Ojota, Lagos, is fostering connections and bridging the gap between incarcerated parents and their children.
A few former inmates shared powerful testimonies of hope and transformation, inspiring the families in attendance. Their stories not only underscored the impact of PFN’s work but also highlighted remarkable journeys of redemption and successful reintegration into society.
Speaking on the sideline at the event, Chairman of the Lagos state chapter of PFN Michael Adeyemo, explained the essence of the program. “Angel Tree is about ensuring that children of incarcerated parents feel connected to their loved ones during the festive season. Through this initiative, we deliver Christmas gifts and essentials to these children, reminding them that their parents, despite being away, still care deeply for them.”
The program, which takes place across five correctional facilities in Lagos State—including the medium, maximum, and female centres—focuses on fostering a sense of normalcy and joy for families disrupted by incarceration.
“When a father or mother is absent due to imprisonment, the entire family structure often becomes strained. This initiative aims to bring some relief during Christmas, helping families feel whole, even if just for a moment,” he noted.
Connecting with the families of inmates is a challenging yet essential task, requiring extensive collaboration with regional centres, faith-based organizations, and community leaders. “We work across all divides—whether Christian, Muslim, or Catholic—partnering with local leaders to identify and reach these families,” explained Chaplain Adeyemo. “While some are eager to engage, others may choose not to participate for personal reasons.”
Despite the challenges, Chaplain Adeyemo said the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “About 70% of families are receptive and deeply appreciative of the gesture. However, this year, due to financial constraints, we’ve had to adjust the level of support we provide. Previously, we offered standard cash gifts of ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 to each family, but we’ve had to scale back due to rising costs,” he added.
The program doesn’t stop at providing festive cheer. As a Christian organization, PFN is committed to long-term mentorship for children and families of inmates. “We mentor these families for a minimum of two years, ensuring they stay on the right path. When the time comes for disengagement, we ensure they’re handed over to the right support system,” he said.
The Angel Tree Program continues to serve as a beacon of hope for families grappling with the absence of loved ones during the holiday season. “This initiative is a reminder that no matter the circumstances, every child deserves love and care. Through the collective efforts of our team and community leaders, we strive to bring light to these families during what can often be a dark time,” Chaplain Michael concluded.
Local Organizing Chairman of PFN, Mr. Bamidele Orji emphasized that the organization is committed to transforming lives and addressing systemic flaws in Nigeria’s criminal justice system by championing restorative justice, a model focused on healing and restoring dignity to those affected by crime.
He highlighted the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s correctional facilities and the urgent need for reforms. “Almost 90% of people in prison are awaiting trial. Many have been languishing for years, with some waiting as long as six to nine years for their cases to be heard,” the representative lamented.
This issue, he noted, disproportionately affects Nigeria’s youth, with over 85% of inmates falling between the ages of 20 and 45—their most productive years. “These are the years someone is supposed to be active and contributing to society. Instead, they are wasting away in overcrowded prisons,” Orji said.
He added that facilities built to accommodate 1,000 inmates often house over 4,000, compounding the problem of congestion.
To tackle these challenges, PFN advocates for a speedy justice system, urging the government to prioritize trials and address the root causes of delays, such as inadequate legal representation and frequent adjournments. “Some inmates deserve amnesty, some deserve bail, and others need to be taken to court promptly. Lives are being stolen as people spend years in prison awaiting justice,” Orji emphasized.
Beyond advocacy, PFN is actively involved in rehabilitation efforts through initiatives like the Onesimus Project, a pre-release empowerment program in collaboration with Covenant University, SMEDAN, and the Nigeria Correctional Service.
The program equips inmates who are six months to a year away from release with vocational skills such as carpentry, tailoring, and fish farming. “We also help those who wish to continue their education, from primary school to university, and even postgraduate levels,” Orji shared.
The fellowship’s efforts extend beyond vocational training, with many former inmates sharing powerful testimonies of transformation. “Through Prison Fellowship Nigeria, lives have been changed. People have found hope and purpose again,” he said.
PFN is urging the government and stakeholders to commit to systemic reforms, ensuring that justice is not only served but also restores lives. “The criminal justice system in Nigeria is broken, but through restorative justice and empowerment programs, we can build a better future,” Orji concluded.
A highlight of the event was a captivating Bible quiz competition for the children, who were rewarded with goody bags for their participation, while winners received additional prizes.
A member of the LOC and the program’s anchor, Funmilayo Ajayi explained that the quiz was incorporated as a key activity to help root the children in the word of God. “As the scripture says in Proverbs 22:6, ‘Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ This quiz is designed to sharpen their minds and spiritually prepare them, especially in these challenging times we face.”
A beneficiary residing in the Iba Estate area of Lagos shared how impactful the program has been, especially amidst the current economic challenges facing the country.
“Last year, they reached out to us, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting them to call again this year, given the hardship everyone is experiencing. But to my greatest surprise, they did,” she said with gratitude. “I want to sincerely thank the pioneers of this program. May God continue to replenish their pockets.”
Reflecting on her struggles, she revealed, “My husband has been in prison for two years and a few months now, and it hasn’t been easy for our family. This support goes beyond material gifts—it gives us hope and reminds us that we are not forgotten.”
