Anambra PFN Commissions, Hands Over Classroom Blocks, Unity Chapel At Onitsha Correctional Centre

By Uzo Ugwunze

September 18, 2025, marked a significant milestone for the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). On this day, the PFN Anambra State Chapter commissioned and formally handed over a multi-million naira building complex, comprising classroom blocks and the PFN Unity Chapel, to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) at the Medium Security Custodial Center in Onitsha, amidst jubilation.

The classroom blocks and PFN Unity Chapel were commissioned and dedicated by the PFN National Deputy President, Rev. Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu, who represented the PFN National President, His Eminence Bishop Francis Wale Okeh.

The complex was then formally handed over to Assistant Controller General of Corrections, Zonal Coordinator Zone M, Enugu, Prisca C. Oku, who represented the Controller General of NCS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.

According to PFN Anambra State Chairman, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, this landmark project, which took approximately one year and seven months to complete, was conceived during visits to the Onitsha Correctional Center (OCC), where they witnessed the inmates’ strong desire to continue their education despite their circumstances.

“Education, as we all know, is a light that dispels the darkness of ignorance. By God’s grace, this school and chapel project was conceived not merely as a building of bricks and mortar, but as a center of hope, learning, discipline, character formation, transformation, and spiritual renewal,” said Bishop Ezedebego.

“May every student who sits in these classrooms discover new purpose, embrace new hope, and prepare to re-enter society as responsible, productive, and God-fearing citizens,” he added.

Bishop Ezedebego, described as a pacesetter among his counterparts in other states, also promised to provide a potable water borehole for the OCC inmates. He stated that Anambra PFN envisions replicating such school block and unity chapel projects at other Custodial Centers throughout the state.

In his sermon, Rev. Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu, representing the PFN National President, drew from Genesis 1:26, emphasizing that every human being, regardless of behavior, is made in God’s image and likeness, originally intended to reflect that image.

“The chapel is a symbol of God’s presence. The worst prison is an uneducated mind. Circumstances of life may make people inmates, but the real identity is a life with God. The chapel and the classroom blocks for education will help to recalibrate the mindsets of the inmates for better and purposeful lives,” said Rev. Dr. Ilechukwu.

Furthermore, the testimonial of Dr. David Molapo, an ex-inmate from South Africa who rose to become a top government official despite experiencing depression, attempted suicide, and incarceration, offered encouragement to the inmates. He emphasized that as long as there is life, there is hope to become what God intended, regardless of past mistakes or present conditions.

Earlier in his address, Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche expressed his appreciation for the landmark classroom blocks and unity chapel project built by the Anambra State chapter of PFN and handed over to the NCS. He commended the PFN leadership for their vision, sacrifice, and commitment.

“This landmark initiative represents a shining example of faith-based collaboration with government in promoting humane custodial reforms. It is well established that access to education and faith-based support reduces reoffending and prepares inmates for successful reintegration into society,” said Nwakuche.

Moreover, Bishop Emmanuel Obiora of the Life of Faith Gospel Assembly, a PFN stakeholder, advised both the inmates and staff of the Onitsha Custodial Center to seize the opportunity to utilize the building complex donated by the PFN Anambra State chapter to improve their lives.

“The classroom blocks are where the inmates enrolled as students can go, sit down, and read without pressure or distractions. At the same time, they have the upper room chapel where they have the opportunity to pray and relate with their Maker. Let all the inmates and those working in the Onitsha Corrections center maximize this opportunity to make judicious use of these facilities; that is when the building is said to be serving its purpose,” said Bishop Obiora.

Highlights of the event included the commissioning, dedication, and formal handover of the building complex keys to the NCC, as well as drama and Nkwa dance group performances by the male and female inmates.