The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki has commissioned a new library at the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Abakaliki, to promote education and rehabilitation of inmates.
The project, spearheaded by St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Charity Centre Abakaliki, was unveiled by Bishop Peter Nworie-Chukwu, represented by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Donatus Chukwu. According to the bishop, the library is designed to enhance the educational development of inmates and correctional staff, ensuring smoother reintegration into society after serving their jail terms.
Commending Rev. Fr. Chidi Obasi, the priest in charge of the charity centre, Bishop Nworie-Chukwu praised the initiative as a true act of service to humanity. He emphasized the importance of libraries in knowledge acquisition, noting that the facility would contribute significantly to the moral and intellectual growth of the inmates.
The Chaplain of the Centre, Rev. Fr. Obasi, explained that the library’s renovation aligns with the organisation’s priority of improving inmate welfare, particularly in education. He added that the goal is to provide a conducive learning environment for correctional centre students.
Other officials, including Thecla Ezeonu (Vice Chairman of the Charity Centre) and Emmanuel Nzekwe (Chairman, Prison Welfare Committee), highlighted additional contributions of the Catholic organisation. These include annual registration of inmates for WAEC and NECO examinations, provision of food, medicines, clothing, and post-release reintegration support. They also appealed for donations of textbooks and instructional materials to equip the library further.
The Deputy Controller of Abakaliki Custodian Centre, Benedict Oyoko, and Principal of the Prison Special Secondary School, Ademola Ojemuyide, expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for its consistent support. They called on government agencies, NGOs, philanthropists, and corporate organisations to donate books, e-library resources, and learning equipment to improve teaching and learning standards in the correctional facility.
“This library upgrade is a major achievement,” Oyoko said. “But to meet modern standards, we still need e-library facilities, internet access, textbooks, chairs, and shelves to make it fully functional.”
This initiative reflects the Catholic Church’s commitment to prison ministry, transforming correctional centres into places of learning, reformation, and hope for a better future.
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