The 2024 annual Easter Program for inmates in Nigeria, sponsored by the Christ the Healing Stream Initiative (CHSI) took another poignant dimension as men and women behind the towering walls and iron bars in the Ekiti state correctional center appealed to the Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji to show mercies to the incarcerated individuals.
Driven by a shared desire for redemption and reconciliation, inmates expressed their earnest repentance and commitment to reforming their lives explaining that despite the respite frequently brought to them by the CHSI founder Lady Evangelist Oyenike Daramola and her husband Dr Daramola, they are confronted with a plethora of challenges, ranging from physical to psychological harm.
They noted that owing of the lengthy court proceedings and delays in the dispensation of justice, many inmates languish in pretrial detention for extended periods, sometimes even longer than their eventual sentences, calling on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to extend the wonders being performed in with the free also to the incarcerated.
The inmates emphasized that their plea for clemency was not borne out of entitlement but rather from a place of genuine remorse and a sincere desire to turn their lives around as many shared personal testimonies of redemption and spiritual awakening, emphasizing their readiness to reintegrate into society as productive and law-abiding citizens.
Earlier in her speech, the CHSI founder Mrs Oyenike Daramola charged the inmates to keep having faith in God and have a genuine repentance of hearts with a decision not to go back into the various crimes that got them imprisoned nor be reduced to spirit of vengeance.
The CHSI team had earlier on the 29th, 30th of March and 2nd of April visited the Ondo female and Male as well as Kabba correctional centers where 45, 278 and 167 inmates were fed respectfully with other relief materials distributed.
Lady Evangelist Oyenike and Dr Daramola expressed worry with the 867 total number of inmates in the Ekiti state Correctional center calling on the state government to quickly address the situation. The couple called on religious organizations to step out of their comfort zones by joining in winning the souls of the inmates for God through the commitment to their welfares and not by mere preaching of the gospel.
The CSHI founder thanked God and the people who contributed in cash and kind to the success of the 2024 annual Easter program for inmates noting that CHSI is more committed to harvesting souls for God and saving the human race from crimes and criminalities.
In a short sermon entitled “ Go out and Live Holy” Pastor Mrs Alonge also charged the inmates to repent from their old ways noting that God looks into their hearts and ready to save whosoever repents.
The Ekiti state comptroller of the center who was represented by an official Mr Kolade Afeniforo and the second in Command Mr Alabi commended the effort of Lady Evangelist Daramola and her husband noting that the effort of the CHSI has assisted the inmates to excel in their NECO exams, vocational training, and counseling services to facilitate inmates’ prospects of successfully reintegrating into society and reduce recidivism.
Other dignitaries at the event including Pastor Alonge, Prophet Joshual Olalekan, Pastors Joshua Adeniji, Babatunde, IsaacOluwajuwonand elder Jolasanmi as well as the Ekiti state Chairman Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Pastor Noah Akintemi also reechoed the poignant appeal of the the incarcerated individuals calling on Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the state Chief Judge Justice Adeyeye, to implement the prerogative of mercy to alleviate prison overcrowding and grant reprieve to those who have demonstrated genuine repentance.
The event also witnessed a drama staged by the inmates on the reward for good and bad as well as an Islamic quiz for the Muslim faithful where gifts were presented to the participants.
