MIXED EMOTIONS AS CWO AWKA DIOCESE MARKS MOTHER’S DAY WITH INMATES
By Regina Igwebuike
April 15 brought an atmosphere of mixed emotions to the Correctional Center Amawbia as the Catholic Women Organization, Awka Diocese, arrived to celebrate Mother’s Day 2026 with inmates.
Joy, gratitude, and quiet reflection filled the hall as mothers and inmates shared prayers, songs, and words of hope amid the reality of confinement.
Innocent Amaechi, Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, warmly welcomed the Catholic Women Organization and thanked them for their consistent Mother’s Day outreach. “It’s a yearly ritual the mothers observe, though this is my first time witnessing it live,” quoting Scripture: “When I was in prison, you visited me.”
He prayed for strength for the mothers and that God would replenish all they gave, asking Him to bless and keep mothers in good health. Speaking to inmates, he stressed a mother’s enduring presence through every trial. “If your mother is still alive, thank God. If you are not in good terms, reconcile with her. A mother’s prayer can go a long way in life.” He used the Wedding at Cana and the parable of the Prodigal Son to urge inmates to return home in heart, warning that conflict with one’s mother hinders success.
The Welfare Officer, Mr. Henry Okafor noted that the Amawbia facility now holds 597 inmates across 13 cells, down from 720 after the Chief Judge’s last visit. “This place is like a school, not just for punishment but for reformation,” he explained. Many inmates had no prior offenses and are here to be reformed. The center runs primary, secondary, and Open University programs, alongside vocational training in bakery, shoemaking, and crafts.
He explained that sponsors like Mr Peter Obi, CWO, and other members of society support their education. Inmate Chike Jude Onwuzulike, who has been incarcerated since 2016, described the prisoners’ gospel music as “very melodious” but said more instruments are needed. He recalled his own mother’s love despite hardship and thanked the visiting mothers, appealing for intercession on amnesty, repair of deteriorating cells, payment of NABTEB fees for 50 inmates, and provision of ceiling fans to ease conditions.
Earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, represented by Rev. Fr. Evaristus Okafor, CWO Diocesan Chaplain, urged inmates to glorify God in every circumstance and give thanks for the gift of life. He prayed that God would continue to strengthen them, grant them the grace of renewal as they serve their terms, and open the way for their release.
The Awka Diocesan CWO Director, Lady Ngozi Muo, encouraged them to trust in Divine Providence and retrace their steps. She invited them to invoke Mother Mary through the Rosary, believing in her powerful intercession for their lives and freedom.
Lots of goodies- edibles and no edibles, including coolers of cooked rice, soup and semo were presented to the inmates amid jubilations and excitement.
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