Osogbo Catholic Diocese Prison Apostolate Storms Kosere Correctional Centre, Eight Inmates Baptised in Historic Christmas Carol Outreach

The Osogbo Catholic Diocese Prison Apostolate on Sunday, December 14, 2025, brought hope, music and renewed faith to inmates of the Kosere Ife Correctional Centre as it marked its annual Christmas Carol celebration with a colourful spiritual outreach.

Akahi News gathered that the prison apostolate visit was led by the Assistant Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme, whose presence and pastoral leadership stood at the centre of the event. Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme coordinated the programme alongside members of the apostolate, choirs and prominent Catholics from the Ife Catholic Deanery.

Speaking in a telephone conversation with Akahi News shortly after the visit, Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme explained that the outreach was part of the apostolate’s long-standing annual tradition of celebrating Christmas with inmates at the Kosere Ife Correctional Centre.

“It is our annual celebration of Christmas Carol with the inmates at the Kosere Ife Correctional Centre. Yesterday, which was Sunday, December 14, 2025, we went there as our usual practice,” Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme told Akahi News.

A Celebration of Faith, Music and Hope

According to Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme, the celebration was deeply interactive and spiritually uplifting, as inmates actively participated in the programme. He noted that the inmates rendered Christmas carol songs, staged drama presentations and joined the visiting team in worship.

“We gave them what we have to support them in the building of their chapel. They held Christmas carol songs, they presented dramas, they sang, and we also sang Christmas carol songs with them,” Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme said.

Akahi News learnt that choirs from SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife, accompanied the delegation, adding colour and harmony to the celebration with melodious carol renditions that resonated across the correctional facility.

Eight Inmates Baptised into the Catholic Church

One of the most remarkable highlights of the outreach, Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme revealed to Akahi News, was the baptism of eight inmates, who formally joined the Catholic Church during the visit.

“One thing that was very striking about yesterday’s celebration is that eight of the inmates were baptised. To the glory of God, they joined the Catholic Church, and we baptised them. We thank God for those eight who were converted,” Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme stated.

He explained that the Holy Mass and baptism preceded the Christmas carol session, underscoring the spiritual depth of the programme and its focus on genuine conversion rather than mere festivities.

Gifts, Support and ₦500,000 Financial Assistance

Beyond prayers and songs, Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme emphasised that the apostolate also extended material and financial support to the inmates, reflecting the Church’s commitment to holistic pastoral care.

According to information made available to Akahi News, inmates received clothes, rosaries, food items and financial assistance amounting to five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000).

“We also gave them the little gifts we have. They were given clothes, rosaries, food, and financial support of ₦500,000,” Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme disclosed.

Leadership and Diocesan Roles

Akahi News reports that Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme currently serves as the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, OAU Road Seven (7), Ile-Ife. He also doubles as the Diocesan Assistant Chaplain of the Catholic Prison Apostolate in the Osogbo Catholic Diocese, working closely with the diocesan chaplain, Rev. Fr Fayanju Philip.

His leadership during the Kosere outreach, observers noted, reflected a deep commitment to prison ministry and evangelisation among marginalised communities.

Presence of Prominent Catholics

The outreach also drew the presence of notable Catholics from the Ife Catholic Deanery. Among those who accompanied the team, Akahi News gathered, was Professor Benjamin E. Ayisire, whose participation further underscored the broad support for prison evangelism within the diocese.

Renewing Hope Behind Bars

For many inmates at the Kosere Ife Correctional Centre, the visit led by Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme was more than a routine religious programme; it was a reminder that they are not forgotten. Through music, sacraments, gifts and fellowship, the Osogbo Catholic Diocese Prison Apostolate reaffirmed the Church’s mission of hope, reconciliation and redemption.

As Christmas approaches, Akahi News learnt that the apostolate remains committed to sustaining its ministry among inmates, with Rev. Fr Vincent Ekeneme and his team pledging continued spiritual and material support.

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