In keeping with its mission to “advance the wellbeing of all through participatory measures in line with Catholic Social Teaching,” Caritas Nigeria organized an outreach at the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State on 19 September, as part of this year’s Caritas Nigeria Day activities.
To address the immediate needs of the inmates, the Caritas Nigeria team comprising lawyers, communication professionals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, counsellors, and data scientists, provided HIV testing, medical consultation, counselling, and non-food items such as medicines and toiletries, to over 170 inmates. Fifteen officers of the correctional facility also benefitted from medical consultation and counselling.
Equally, demonstrating its commitment to promoting equal justice to the rich and poor, Caritas Nigeria commenced the process of securing the release of 13 incarcerated persons accused of non-violent crimes who cannot afford their bail. The non-discriminatory outreach was also a platform for the spiritual edification of the people of concern.
Our prison apostolate is a lead-up to the Caritas Nigeria Day celebration, which features special days dedicated to women and youth, an international conference on climate change and the Laudato Si, and the launching of Caritas Nigeria Day projects.
