In a powerful display of seasonal goodwill, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Reverend Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, marked the 2025 Christmas celebrations by visiting inmates at correctional facilities in Ikoyi, Lagos State.
A Festive Visit of Faith and Support
The annual outreach event, coordinated by the Catholic Church, took place at the Ikoyi Custodial Correctional Centre. The Archbishop's visit was not merely ceremonial; he conducted a special Mass and personally administered the sacrament of confirmation to 25 inmates, a significant spiritual milestone for those receiving it.
To ensure the inmates could partake in the joy of the season, a substantial donation of essential and festive items was presented. The gifts included:
- Bags of rice and various confectioneries
- Toiletries, clothes, and disinfectants
- Beverages and educational materials
- Cash support
These donations were aimed at providing immediate comfort and supporting the long-term rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates into society.
Legal Advocacy and the Fight for Freedom
The event also highlighted the crucial legal work being done on behalf of those incarcerated. Mrs. Florence Atuluku, President of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), addressed the gathering, revealing the association's remarkable impact over the past year.
She announced that in 2025 alone, NACL secured the pro bono release of no fewer than 150 inmates through targeted legal interventions. Atuluku described the church's visit as part of a broader mission to restore redeeming values that facilitate genuine reform.
"Guided by the principles of human dignity and freedom, we not only provide humanitarian support but also deploy our legal services to help inmates regain their freedom at no cost," she stated.
A Call for Justice and Second Chances
Mrs. Atuluku provided insight into the NACL's methodology, explaining that their lawyers review case records to identify individuals who have endured lengthy detention without trial. They then bring these cases to the forefront to secure better conditions and, ultimately, freedom.
She shared poignant reflections from her interactions with inmates, noting, "I am struck by the tragedy of wasted human potential. Their voices echo regret, pain, and longing for a second chance."
In a powerful statement on societal inequality, Atuluku emphasized that many outside prison walls are guilty of similar failings but are protected by privilege or circumstance. She argued that the difference often lies not in morality but in opportunity and access to justice.
Looking ahead, the NACL President pledged that the association would intensify its efforts in 2026 to decongest Nigeria's overcrowded custodial centres. A particular focus will be on pursuing cases involving minor offences, offering a pathway to freedom for those entangled in the system for small transgressions.
This Christmas outreach, blending spiritual ministry, humanitarian aid, and vigorous legal advocacy, underscores a holistic approach to prison ministry and criminal justice reform in Lagos State.
