By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
Children of inmates serving sentences across various correctional centres can contribute meaningfully to society and overcome negative environmental influences if government, individuals, and corporate bodies provide the necessary support.
The President of the Oyo State chapter of the Prisons Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Reverend Boyede Sule, made this call while speaking at the fellowship’s Promise Path holiday boot camp, organised for children of inmates in Ibadan and Oyo town.
Reverend Sule noted that these children are vulnerable and could easily become tools in the hands of criminally minded individuals if they are denied proper attention.
According to him, such children are prone to stigmatization, negative peer influence, and low self-esteem, making psychosocial support, mentorship, and financial assistance imperative.
“Every child is the responsibility of everybody, because if we do not take care of them now, they will become a problem for us tomorrow,” Reverend Sule said.
“That is why we are trying to handle these ones now; the seed we sow in a child will grow and bear fruit. Definitely, we believe they will become ambassadors wherever they find themselves. The society must rise to the responsibility of every child, especially the less privileged.”
He added that during long vacations, the organization engages the children through structured mentorship programmes to keep them away from negative vices.
Speaking on the theme, “My Path, God’s Promise,” the Project Coordinator, Reverend Kayode Oluyombo, encouraged the children to believe in themselves regardless of life’s challenges, assuring them that divine plans exist for their success.
Reverend Oluyombo further charged them to remain obedient, God-fearing, and truthful, cultivating a consistent mindset for doing what is right.
“The programme is designed to teach them the way of the Lord, to make them God-fearing so that wherever they go in life, they will love to do the right thing and fulfill God’s plans for their lives,” he stated.
The holiday camp, which drew over fifty children of inmates aged between 6 and 15, featured mentorship sessions, counseling, crafts-making, Bible study, and the presentation of gifts.
