By Uzo Ugwunze
The Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria ( APKMN) has mapped out plans to intensify their charity works towards decongesting the Correctional Centers across the country.
Speaking during the 17th National Conference APKMN themed Hope, Faith and Charity in Contemporary Society which held at the Madonna Renewal Center Nkpor, Anambra State, National President APKMN, Rt. Hon Sir Steve Adehi, SAN said that they have sought collaboration with the Knights of St Mulumba KSM to help raise funds for the program.of assisting inmates regain their freedom.
“We have been working on giving hope to inmates by helping in decongesting the Correctional Centers across the country. We the Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria in collaboration with the Knights of St Mulumba.
“We have a more organized structure in Lagos . The chapel built in the Correctional Center in Lagos was built by the Knights of St Mulumba.
“Our program is to see that for those who have fines to pay to regain their freedom, we put funds together to ensure that the fines are paid for them to move out of incarceration.
“Those inmates that require the services of a lawyer but could not afford one, the lawyers among the Knights can assist them because we have seen some statistics of inmates and discovered that many of them are on Awaiting trial languishing at Correctional Centers without trials.
“Some are their because they cannot pay fines. We have already began the payment of the fines to secure the release of some of them at Lagos but the number is large. We want to make it a continuous thing henceforth in collaboration with the KSM in line with the message of Hope, Faith and Charity which our keynote speakers have been expounding for us in this conference.
“Our conference is to give some measure of hope to Christians that things are not totally lost in the of country. That Nigeria can be great again because this country was once great before.
He further urged Nigerian Leaders to sit up to their responsibilities as it concerns the security and welfare of the masses.
Presenting His Keynote address, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke tasked the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria to embrace the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love urging them to use them to shape the Nigerian Society.
The prelate said that three theological virtues are giving by God and meant to be practiced always in order to transform an individual into a good person who has faith in God, hope made alive and is willing to sacrificially help humanity through unconditional love
“Giving an instance about giving hope and Charity, I always celebrate Christmas, Easter and birthdays with inmates of Correctional Centers since the 23 years of my episcopacy.
“I love it, and the inmates love it, celebrate and look forward to it because they know they’ll eat, drink, dance and play soccer.
“The cells are now tiled and furnished with television sets that is always recharged. We also fixed fans in their rooms.
“We sank functional boreholes for them to ensure availability of water in the facility. The place is now looking clean and fresh.
“We’re now building facilities they can use as schools as well as skill acquisition centers with six departments and solar panels.
“Those not privileged to attend primary and secondary schools or complete their education can now complete it there.
“All these efforts are to ensure the inmates are treated as humans and to see what being outside looks like and desire to come out. Not to come out, kill and go back. But to come out and live happily with decent lives.
“When the overall General President of Nigeria Correctional Services, an Alhaji, a Moslem heard of these exploits, he sent his people to confirm.
“After the investigation, he and his officers decided to give me an award of Grand patron of Nigeria Correctional Services which he said has not been given to anyone alive or dead in Nigeria.”
Moreso, another Guest Speaker, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Catholic Diocese admonished Knights to embrace godly virtues and eschew evil, vices and idolatry.
According to him, belonging to secret society, wearing charms and amulets, consulting of oracle or sorcery is not part of Christian faith. Our faith must be free from any secrecy. . When faith and love saturate our families they flow freely into society.
“Papal knight is a noble order, being a noble order we must remember that nobility obliges that who much is given much is expected of him.we must live up to our own calling,it is not an empty title. Let us not be found in any way wanting. This our papal knight and medalist let us be guided and focused , remain in charitable deed for the better of Nigeria society,” said Ezeokafor.
Also speaking, trio of Provincial President, APKMN, Onitsha Province, RHC Peter Anazodo JP, Prof Nkemdili Nnonyelum, Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido Ezechuamuagha Ogidi in their separate speeches said that the conference would provide unique opportunity for participants to reflect on the virtues of faith, hope and charity which remained imperative in any society.
They were optimistic that the virtues would assist members explore ways to deepen their service to God and humanity.
“The deliberations and experience sharing will enrich us all and empower us to be better instruments of God’s love in our communities,” they said.
The Chaplain Onitsha Province APKMN, Rev. Fr. Boniface Okafor and the Chairman of the Occasion, RHC Ozoemena Onyali SAN encouraged the knights to keep on practicing the three theological virtues which were spoken of in the conference until it becomes part of them that is the way they can use it for the good of humanity.
