By Fr. Kevin Okonkwo CM

Joy and hope filled the Ijebu-Ode Correctional Centre at Igbeba on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as the Diocese held a special celebration, dubbed the “Jubilee of Prisoners,” during the Bishop’s annual Christmas visitation. The highlight of the event was the baptism of nine inmates, marking a significant spiritual commitment within the facility.

The Mass, which began at 10:00 AM, was celebrated by the Bishop and was joined by concelebrants Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Balogun (Regional Vicar), Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oguntade (Judicial Vicar), and Fr. Kevin Okonkwo, CM (Prison Chaplain).

In his homily, Fr. Balogun drew on the themes of the Jubilee of Hope, the season of Advent, and Gaudete Sunday (Rejoice Sunday). He delivered a powerful message, encouraging the inmates to “continue to place their hope in God” and to embrace joy as the coming of Jesus draws near.

The celebratory atmosphere reached its peak when the Bishop administered the sacrament of baptism to the nine inmates including six males and three females, who had willingly made the commitment to become Christians.

Following the mass, the inmates showcased their talents through presentations of drama and music. The community then gathered for the cutting of the Jubilee cake.

The Bishop expressed his deep satisfaction at the inmates’ willingness to embrace their new faith. He offered a word of encouragement, urging them to “never go back to sin and vicious ways.” Before departing, the Bishop extended the spirit of Christmas by distributing gifts to all the inmates and the staff at the correctional centre. He also offered his thanks to the Women Religious, Catechists, Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, and members of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul who were present to support the occasion.

An anonymous inmate noted that the day was “a joyful day for all, especially the inmates,” underscoring the spiritual significance of the visitation and the nine baptisms.