The Catholic Bishop of Kano Diocese, Dr. John Namaza Niyiring, has marked the Christmas season with a pastoral visit to the Goron Dutse Custodial Centre in Kano, where he celebrated Holy Mass with inmates and delivered messages of hope, peace, forgiveness and personal renewal.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, CSC Musbahu Lawan Kofar Nassarawa, who said the outreach was part of efforts to uplift the morale of inmates during the festive period.
During the Christmas Mass, Bishop Niyiring reminded the inmates that the birth of Christ symbolises new beginnings and redemption, noting that no one is forgotten or abandoned, regardless of their situation.
He encouraged them to remain hopeful, resilient and committed to personal transformation, while assuring them of the Church’s continuous prayers and support.
As part of the visit, the Bishop facilitated the release of 11 inmates, allowing them to reunite with their families during the Christmas season.
He also donated food items, drinks, clothing and water to improve the welfare of inmates at the custodial facility.
Speaking on behalf of the Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, ACC Kafilu Abdullahi, the Officer-in-Charge of the Goron Dutse Custodial Centre, expressed appreciation to the Bishop and the Catholic Diocese of Kano for their sustained support.
“This visit reflects the strong and positive collaboration between religious bodies and the Nigerian Correctional Service,” ACC Kafilu said.
He added that the Bishop’s consistent interventions had greatly impacted the lives of inmates over the years.
ACC Kafilu further noted that the Bishop’s support extended beyond seasonal visits, recalling that six computers were donated to the centre last year to help inmates continue their educational pursuits, in line with the Service’s rehabilitation and reintegration mandate.
The visit concluded with prayers and goodwill messages, reinforcing commitments to dignity, reform and rehabilitation among inmates, and highlighting the spirit of compassion and second chances associated with the Christmas season.
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