By Abubakar Abraham
In a landmark act of compassion and spiritual outreach, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, has initiated the construction of a church inside the Koton-Karfe Correctional Centre.
The foundation-laying ceremony, held recently, marked the first time a dedicated church building will be erected within the facility since its establishment.
The inmates welcomed the SGS and her team with enthusiastic dancing and singing, reflecting the upliftment the project has brought to their spirits.
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Pastor Rotimi Nathaniel, the Regional Pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Region 24, officiated the foundation-laying to officially kickstart the construction.
The event was organised under the auspices of Mrs. Ayoade’s welfare initiatives, highlighting her commitment to supporting the less privileged.
Moved by the inmates’ reception and their evident need for spiritual nourishment, Mrs. Ayoade expressed deep gratitude to the management of the Nigerian Correctional Service for approving the request to build the church. She described the visit and ceremony as a renewal of hope for the inmates in God’s faithfulness, assuring them of her ongoing support.
The SGS commended the Officer-in-Charge of the Centre, Mr. Emmanuel Dangana, for the improved treatment of inmates compared to her previous visit. She pledged to facilitate the release of one inmate who required approximately ₦300,000 to meet bail conditions, demonstrating her practical concern for rehabilitation and reintegration.
On his part, Pastor Nathaniel urged the inmates to place absolute trust in God and maintain good conduct, describing Mrs. Ayoade’s gesture as divinely inspired. He prayed for God’s continued protection and abundant rewards upon her life and endeavors.
In a stirring sermon, the Chaplain of the Kogi State Government House, Pastor Henry Asarapo, encouraged the inmates to hold onto hope regardless of their circumstances. He emphasized accepting God’s sovereignty as the foundation for enduring trials and finding peace.
Responding on behalf of the Centre, Mr. Dangana described the occasion as remarkable and appreciated Mrs. Ayoade’s love for the downtrodden. He noted that the initiative would positively impact the spiritual and moral well-being of the inmates.
The ceremony concluded with Mrs. Ayoade donating essential food items to the inmates, including bags of beans, cartons of noodles, and soap, to address their immediate needs.
Among the dignitaries who accompanied the SGS were the Director General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana-Hauwa Yussuf, and the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Mr. Afolabi Joseph Raji.
This initiative aligns with Mrs. Ayoade’s broader humanitarian efforts, particularly as she approaches significant personal milestones with acts of service. The church project is expected to serve as a beacon of faith, rehabilitation, and hope within the correctional system.
