Catholics, and Nigerians in general have been urged to support individuals who have served prison terms in the country to resettle into society, and engage in meaningful work to ensure that they do not go back to the life of crime. The charge was given by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos during the inaugural awards/fundraising dinner with the Archbishop, organised by Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Lagos Archdiocese, held recently at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Archbishop Martins said the event, with the theme, “Philanthropy and the social dynamics of change”, is not just an action in the Archdiocese alone, but an action that has its origin in the Universal Church which ensures that it is able to interact with the world of the present day in such a way as to make an impact in the lives of people. The Archbishop thanked God for the management of the JDPC over the years in the Archdiocese, as he commended Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, the Director and his team for carrying on the work around good governance, election monitoring, justice, and working for peace over the years. He said the work has been done with the support of donors from Europe, America and Nigerians who have accepted and recognised the importance of Justice Development and Peace Commission.
According to him, “These donors have supported us to ensure that we are able to carry out the mandate that was given to Justice Development and Peace Centre in our Archdiocese and indeed, many parts of our country Nigeria. He urged them to identify with the goals for which JDPC was commissioned, and do what is required for it to continue to fulfil the purpose for which it was constituted, in the Archdiocese and Universal Church. He thanked the Board of Trustees for their commitment to the ideals of Justice Development, and being part of the achievement of the goals, particularly, with regards to providing a house for those who have served their terms in different custodian centres, and now need to be resettled into society. “It is often a difficult moment, and I know that with your help, we will be in a position to ensure they do not go back to crime in any way anymore, but that they will by our support, be able to be integrated into society once again”, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Anoliefo said the commission celebrates the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations committed to social justice, as it embarks on a journey of solidarity and compassion, adding that together, they aim to make a profound impact on the lives of those in need. He said the event is geared at raising funds for the construction of the JDPC’s pioneering Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre, a project that will serve as a sanctuary for individuals in need of refuge, rehabilitation and integration into society. He added that the need for such a facility is underscored by the harsh realities facing the Nigerian society. The event was attended by Nigerians from all walks of life, including, Dr. Anthony Obiora, Executive Chairman, Greenlife Pharmaceuticals and Chairman on the occasion; Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, represented; representatives of the Catholic Secretariat, Caritas Nigeria, among others.