DR. UKEL TAKES 50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TO KUJE CORRECTIONAL CENTER …inmates appeal for legal aid to facilitate freedom

UKEL TAKES 5oTH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TO KUJE CORRECTIONAL CENTER
…inmates appeal for legal aid to facilitate freedom

by PJ Usanga

The Head of the Internal Audit Unit of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Dr. Godwin Undie Ukel celebrated his 50th birthday anniversary with inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Center in Kuje, Abuja.

The celebration started with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Chaplain of the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Rev. Fr. Victor Nyoroh (CM), on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Chapel of Freedom of the Correctional facility in Kuje, Abuja.

In his homily at the Mass, Fr. Nyoroh described the celebration by Dr. Ukel as a sacramental encounter. He explained that the Celebrant has come to encounter Christ in the faces of the Prisoners and has fulfilled the biblical mandate of Christ “When I was in prison did you visit me?”

Emphasising that life is not just a right, but a gift from God, which we ought to protect and remain grateful for, the Prison Chaplain appreciated the golden jubilarian for choosing to celebrate such a significant birthday with prisoners.

One of the inmates, who preferred to remain anonymous, thanked the birthday Celebrant for remembering them in his happiest moment. He further expressed confidence that the coming of Dr. Ukel for this celebration, will mark the exodus of release for many of them in the prison.

The Internee speaking on behalf of other inmates, disclosed that most of them are being detained due to lack of legal fee to hire a lawyer, and appealed to the birthday Celebrant to partner with the Chaplain and provide them with legal aid to facilitate their freedom.

The golden jubilarian in response, thanked the inmates for giving him the opportunity to share the joy of his 50th birthday with them. He encouraged them to remain prayerful, and make the best out of this period of solitude.

“Do not feel bad that you are here, but see it a divine plan from God for your to discover yourself and purpose in life. You are here, not because you are the worst, but because life has designed it this way for a reason. Use this period to reflect and redesign your life and destiny for the best. Remain fervent in prayers, so that at the end you will be formed to obtain your salvation in Christ Jesus.”

Pledging to do everything within his capacity to secure their release and freedom, Dr. Ukel promised to work closely with their Chaplain to frequently support them to the best of his ability.

Dr. Ukel who was accompanied by some staff of the CSN, donated several relief items and a monstrance and thurible for the celebration of Eucharistic adoration, Benediction and the Holy Mass to the inmates and also spared moments of interaction with them.