Anambra PFN Commissions Hands Over Classroom Blocks/PFN Unity Chapel at Onitsha Correctional Center
By Uzo Ugwunze
It was a milestone in the history of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on September 18, as the multimillion naira building complex comprising of Classroom Blocks and PFN Unity Chapel built by PFN Anambra State Chapter at the Medium Security Custodial Center Onitsha was commissioned and handed over formally to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) amidst jubilations.
The building complex was Commissioned by the PFN National President, His Eminence Bishop Francis Wale Oke, represented by PFN National Deputy President, Rev. Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu before it was handed over formerly to Controller General NCS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche who was represented by Assistant Controller General of Corrections, Zonal Coordinator Zone M, Enugu, Prisca C. Oku.
According to the PFN Chairman Anambra State, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, this Landmark project which took about one year and seven months to accomplish was born during our visits to the Onitsha Correctional Center (OCC) when we saw the passion of these inmates to continue their education against all odds.
"Education as we all know is a light that dispels darkness of ignorance. By God's Grace this school and chapel project was conceived not merely as a building of bricks and mortar but a center of hope, learning, discipline, character formation, transformation and spiritual renewal.
"May every student who sits in these classrooms discover new purpose, embrace new hope and prepare to re-enter society as responsible, productive and God fearing citizens," Bishop Ezedebego said.
The PFN Anambra State Chairman, who was described as a pacesetter amongst his contemporaries in other states also promised to sink a potable water borehole for the OCC inmates, saying that Anambra PFN has a vision to replicate such school blocks/unity chapel project at other Custodial Centers at different parts of the state.
In his sermon, the PFN National President 's representative, Rev Dr. Ilechukwu who spoke from Genesis 1 vs 26 pointed out that every human being whether of good behavior or bad behavior was made in the image and likeness of God, original meant to reflect God's image.
"Chapel is a symbol of God's presence. The worst prison is an uneducated mind. Circumstances of life make people inmates but the real identity is the life with God. The chapel and the classroom blocks for education will help to recalibrate the mindsets of the inmates for better and purposeful lives," Rev. Dr. Ilechukwu said.
Moreso, the testimony message of HOPE by an ex inmate, Dr David Molapo from South Africa who later rose to become a top government official despite the fact that he suffered depression, attempted suicide and being incacerated was an encouragement to the inmates, saying that once there is life there is still hope for one to become what God designed him or her to become despite one's mistakes or present condition.
Earlier in his address, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche appreciated the landmark classroom blocks/unity chapel project built by the Anambra State chapter of PFN and handed over to NCS, commending the leadership of PFN for the vision, sacrifice and commitment.
"This Landmark initiative represents a shining example of faith based collaboration with government in promoting humane custodial reforms. It is well established that access to education and faith based support reduces reoffending and prepares inmates for successful reintegration into the society," Nwakuche said.
Moreover, a PFN Stakeholder, Bishop Emmanuel Obiora of the Life of Faith Gospel Assembly, advised both the inmates and staff of the Onitsha Custodial Center to avail themselves the opportunity to utilize the building complex donated by the PFN Anambra State chapter to better their lives.
"The Classroom blocks are where the inmates that have enrolled in school as students can go in, sit down and read without pressure or distractions. At the same time they have the upper room chapel where they have opportunity to pray and relate with their maker. Let all the inmates and those working in the Onitsha Correctional center maximize this opportunity to make judicious use of these facilities, that is when the building is said to be serving its purpose," Bishop Obiora said.
Highlights of the event include the commission, dedication and handover of the building complex keys proper to NCC, Drama and Nkwa dance group presentation from the male and female inmates.
More photos below.
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