A vibrant sense of renewal swept through the Onitsha Correction Center on Sunday, June 16, 2024, as Bishop on the Niger, the Rt Rev Dr. Owen Nwokolo, visited to celebrate global Fathers’ Sunday with the inmates.
This visit, now a cherished annual tradition, featured a solemn church service where some inmates received the sacrament of confirmation or were welcomed into the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF). In his 20-minute homily, Bishop Nwokolo emphasized the impossibility of serving two masters, centering his message on “Trusting God in All Things.” He warned against seeking wealth or fame through satanic means, describing such gifts as fake and useless.
The bishop passionately urged the inmates not to despair over their current circumstances, reminding them that God is mindful of their plight. Using the parable of the birds and flowers, he reassured them of God’s greater care for human beings: “Watch how God feeds the birds of the air. It is God that feeds them and takes care of the flowers. Think of it, birds and human beings, which do you think God values more?” He encouraged them to trust in God’s provision and to seek first the kingdom of God, promising that all other needs would be miraculously met.
Bishop Nwokolo presented a cheque of One Million Naira to the inmates through the Deputy Controller of the Center, Dr. Sunday Igwe, addressing urgent needs such as vehicle repairs for court runs and the provision of three overhead water tanks. Additionally, he donated 10 bags of rice, three bags of beans, and five bags of garri. Dr. Igwe expressed profound gratitude for the bishop’s generosity, praying for blessings upon him and the Diocese.
Ven. John Nkwoemezie, the Chaplain of the Center, expressed joy over the visit, noting that the 2024 Episcopal Visit surpassed previous years in impact. He praised the inmates’ excellent performance in catechism and scripture reading, with 21 boys inducted into AYF and 21 receiving the sacrament of confirmation. He commended Bishop Nwokolo for his ongoing support and appealed for volunteer church workers to assist with the chaplaincy’s weekly services.
Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Nonyelum Nwokolo, a team of ministers, and numerous diocesan parishioners, Bishop Nwokolo’s visit made Fathers’ Sunday a memorable and uplifting event at the Onitsha Correction Center.
