S’West Prisons Fellowship of Nigeria Concludes 3-Day Conference in Ibadan, Calls for Improved Rehabilitation, Reintegration of Ex-Inmates
The Southwest Zone of Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN) has concluded its three-day conference in Ibadan, bringing together over 160 members, coordinators and prison ministry leaders to deliberate on spiritual growth, rehabilitation and the effective reintegration of ex-inmates into society.
At the strategic meeting, leaders of the fellowship emphasised the need for correctional services to extend beyond routine prison visitation to include comprehensive spiritual transformation, institutional support, empowerment and structured reintegration programmes for released inmates.
The PFN Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Adeola Ayano, called on government institutions, religious organisations and members of the public to address the stigmatisation of ex-inmates, noting that discrimination often creates significant barriers to employment and successful reintegration into society.
Mrs Ayano also advocated economic empowerment initiatives for released inmates, describing such interventions as essential to helping them rebuild their lives and become responsible members of society.
She said the conference had broadened members’ understanding of their responsibilities and the fellowship’s mission of reconciliation.
“People’s eyes have been opened, and they have become more enlightened about why they are in the Prison Fellowship. They now understand that it is a ministry of reconciliation. Our primary responsibility is to reconcile inmates, restore them and reintegrate them into society.
“Unlike conventional prison outreaches, where people merely visit inmates in fulfilment of Christ’s instruction, ‘I was in prison and you visited me’, our programmes go beyond visitation. We encourage inmates to accept responsibility for their offences, make restitution where necessary and take deliberate steps towards making amends,” she said.
While acknowledging positive legislative developments by the government, including the renaming of prisons as correctional centres, the PFN Southwest Zonal Secretary, Reverend Michael Olufemi, stressed the need for stronger post-release support systems to ensure sustainable rehabilitation.
Reverend Olufemi described Prison Fellowship Nigeria as a ministry committed to the restoration, rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated persons, while also providing support for their families.
He noted that the fellowship contributes to prison decongestion through programmes designed to transform the attitudes and behaviour of inmates, thereby encouraging positive conduct and personal reformation.
“Because of prison congestion, Prison Fellowship plays a prominent role by engaging inmates through activities that appeal to their hearts and souls, leading to positive transformations and improved behaviour recognised by the government.
“Even after their release, the fellowship maintains follow-up programmes to ensure that inmates are properly reintegrated into society. We are working towards ensuring that every state chapter establishes a St. Joseph Halfway Home to strengthen the rehabilitation process and prevent released inmates from returning to prison,” he said.
Speaking at the conference, a leader in the fellowship, Chaplain Oyewole Olaoye, shared his longstanding experience in prison ministry, recounting how his calling became stronger following his access to the Maximum Security Prison in 1996.
Reflecting on his years of service, Chaplain Olaoye highlighted the importance of bringing spiritual enlightenment to inmates and helping them recognise their inherent dignity as human beings created in the image and likeness of God.
Also speaking, Mr Felix Anayo charged members to deepen their commitment to the ministry, remain receptive to divine guidance and sustain their dedication to serving vulnerable and marginalised persons within the correctional system.
He described Prison Fellowship Nigeria as a vital volunteer-driven movement committed to spiritual renewal, moral instruction and the holistic rehabilitation of inmates across the country.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Pastor Dare Elemese, expressed appreciation to God for the successful hosting of the biennial conference.
Pastor Elemese acknowledged the contributions of committee members, executive leaders and volunteers, whose cooperation and commitment ensured the success of the gathering.
The three-day conference, themed **”Running With The Vision,”** featured the presentation of awards to state coordinators and supporters of the fellowship in recognition of their contributions to its work.
Among the award recipients were a former Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Emeritus Bolajoko Olateju Adeniji; Reverend Agboola Ololade Olojo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Michigan, United States; and Mrs Lydia Adeola Martins, among others.
Newsarena.ng reports that dignitaries at the event included the Chief Judge of Oyo State, who was represented by Hon. Justice Olusola Adetujoye; a representative of the Oyo State Controller of Correctional Services, Reverend Sunday Odekunle; a representative of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Toyin Ige; and Professor Funso Famuyiwa, among others.
