The Lagos State chapter of Prison Fellowship Nigeria on Saturday extended support to 115 families of incarcerated persons and other vulnerable households by distributing food items, clothing, and relief materials during an outreach held in the Ikeja area of Lagos.
The support was part of the organisation’s annual Angel Tree Christmas party, which celebrated over 400 vulnerable children. The event, hosted by the Citadel Global Community Church, brought together families of inmates from correctional centres across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, along with beneficiaries from rehabilitation and remand homes under the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
Speaking during the event, the Local Organising Chairman of the Angel Tree programme, Fabulous Orji, explained that the initiative was created to ensure that children of inmates do not feel neglected during the festive period. “At every Christmas, we gather families of inmates and bring them together to celebrate,” Orji said. “What their parents would have done for them if they were free, we stand in the gap to do.”
He said the beneficiaries were selected from different parts of Lagos and nearby communities such as Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe, Abule Egba, and Sango, noting that participation in the event was voluntary. “This year, we have 115 families, and when you consider the number of children per family, we are catering for between 400 and 450 children,” he added.
Orji further noted that the initiative was inclusive and open to everyone regardless of religion or ethnicity. “We involve everybody—Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists. As long as you are an inmate and you submitted your name, your family is welcome,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Adeyemo Michael, stated that the organisation had been operating for over three decades, while the Angel Tree programme had run for more than 20 years. “Angel Tree is a programme adapted from Prison Fellowship International and customised to meet our local needs,” he explained.
Michael added that the group’s activities go beyond the annual Christmas outreach. “Apart from Angel Tree, we are also involved in rehabilitation, education, and welfare support for inmates within correctional facilities. Currently, about 62 churches partner with us across Lagos State,” he said.
Representing the partner churches, the Welfare Director of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Fumilayo Ajayi, said her church had been a consistent supporter of the Angel Tree programme for four consecutive years. “If churches come together, these children will feel loved, and it will help to reduce crime in society,” she said.
Ajayi disclosed that her church provided clothes and gift packs for about 400 children this year and had previously helped secure the release of 27 inmates by paying fines and supporting their welfare.
The Lagos State Government also commended the initiative, describing it as a valuable support to families of inmates and vulnerable persons. Representing the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Titi Omole said the state welcomed partnerships that align with its social support goals. “The Lagos State Government appreciates organisations that reach out to the vulnerable,” she said, urging more Nigerians to collaborate with government initiatives to improve lives.
Some beneficiaries at the event expressed appreciation for the support. A beneficiary from the Ikorodu Rehabilitation Centre, Monisola Ayodele, said the programme gave her renewed hope. “They gave us food, clothes and encouragement, and made us know that God has not forgotten us,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Bisi Eshient, who has benefited from the programme for 13 years, said Prison Fellowship Nigeria had been a steady source of support for her family. “Even when there was nobody for me, they stood by me and my children. They have given us hope,” she said.
The Angel Tree initiative remains part of Prison Fellowship Nigeria’s long-term intervention to support inmates, their families, and vulnerable children, especially during festive seasons.
