The young woman facing trial for the alleged murder of Super TV CEO Usifo Ataga, Chidinma Ojukwu, On Wednesday, graduated from the Onesimus Project Life Recovery pre-release empowerment program at Lagos’ Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre.
She was one of 29 inmates—both men and women—who completed the program, which is led by the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria in collaboration with Covenant University and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.
The PUNCH reported that the ceremony marked the 13th graduation and 14th matriculation for the Onesimus Project, where Ojukwu joined 10 other female inmates to receive certificates marking their achievements in skill development.
Additionally, the event saw 18 male inmates graduate, while 11 female and 18 male inmates took part in the matriculation, beginning their journey in the program.
This reflects the initiative’s goal of preparing inmates for productive and positive futures post-release.
Project Coordinator, Pastor Sule Bamigbola, highlighted the project’s success, noting that in 2024 alone, 525 inmates graduated, with a notably low recidivism rate of only 11 percent.
“We achieved a recidivism rate of only 11 percent, which makes this project a huge success,” he emphasized.
Bamigbola explained that the Onesimus Project aims to shape participants into role models who can share their stories and skills when they rejoin society.
“The essence of this project is to make graduates role models by the time they go out there, so they can tell people they’ve passed through the Onesimus Project,” he added.
During their training, inmates learned a range of vocational skills including shoemaking, soap production, leatherwork, barbering, and farming.
These trades not only equipped the participants with practical skills but also allowed them to generate income while in custody.
“We have inmates learning shoemaking, soap-making, leatherwork, and more,” Pastor Bamigbola stated.
Their finished products are sold through external marketers, and the proceeds are shared with the inmates, allowing them to benefit financially even before release.
The impact of the project has drawn support from various partners, including Covenant University, which donated a 400-litre mixer to assist the inmates in producing goods on a larger scale. Despite the successes, Bamigbola acknowledged the need for more facilities following the loss of a portion of classroom space.
“The small place we were managing was demolished, so we need facilitators and classrooms,” he mentioned.
Representing the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Haliru Nababa, Deputy Controller of Corrections Mr. Daniel Ogu, who oversees the Medium Kirikiri centre, spoke on the significance of forgiveness as part of rehabilitation.
“Exploring the healing power of forgiveness is essential,” Ogu said.
He highlighted the personal liberation that comes with forgiving others, saying, “Forgiving others also releases you, allowing for personal freedom.”
He praised the program’s role in transforming inmates’ lives and advised the participants to avoid bitterness and focus on change.
The event also featured spiritual guidance from the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, who was represented by Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Adejoro.
Drawing on biblical passages from Matthew 6:14 and Mark 11, Rev. Adejoro emphasized the importance of forgiveness, explaining, “If you do not forgive others, you cannot be forgiven.” He encouraged inmates to start their journey toward rehabilitation by forgiving themselves: “The first thing you need to do is forgive yourself. Do not allow bitterness to take root in you. You are being equipped to be useful outside.”
Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, also offered words of encouragement, delivered by Dr. Dayo Odukoye, Dean of the College of Leadership and Development Studies.
“There are over 3,000 people in this correctional centre, but you have been chosen. Take this opportunity seriously,” Odukoye advised the inmates, urging them to recognize and develop their talents. He stressed the power of positive thinking: “Create your world with words. Speak what you want, and transform your mind. Without a transformed mind, your life cannot change.”
Reflecting on the project’s growth, Benson Iwuagwu, Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, shared insights into the Onesimus Project’s beginnings 13 years ago, saying, “When we started, it was like a child’s play, but any seed God plants does not die.”
He expressed appreciation for all the partners, such as Citadel Church, who have supported the project and helped empower inmates to envision and pursue new, positive directions in life.
