By RAMATU GARBA

The Catholic Bishop of Kano Diocese, Dr. John Namaza-Niyiring, celebrated Christmas with inmates of the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre in Kano, securing release of 11.

This is contained in a statement on Friday, by Spokesman of the Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Musbahu Lawan-Kofarnasarawa.

He said that the bishop celebrated a Christmas Mass with the inmates, and delivered a message centred on hope, peace, forgiveness and personal transformation.

According to him, the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises a new beginnings and redemption, urging inmates not to see themselves as forgotten or abandoned by the society.

Namaza-Niyiring encouraged them to be hopeful, and committed to positive change, while assuring them of the Church’s continuous prayers and support, even beyond the Christmas season.

He said that as part of the visit, the bishop secured release of 11 inmates, enabling them to reunite with their families during the festive period.

According to him, the Bishop also donated food items and drinks, clothes to support the welfare of inmates at the custodial centre.

Reacting to the gesture on behalf of the state’s Controller of Corrections, the Officer-in-Charge of the Goron Dutse Centre, ACC Kafilu Abdullahi, thanked the bishop and the Catholic Diocese of Kano for their unwavering support.

“This visit reflects the strong and positive collaboration between religious bodies and the Nigerian Correctional Service,” he said.

He recalled that the bishop had in 2024 donated six computers to the centre to assist inmates in continuing education, which demonstrates his commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration drive.

“The visit concluded with prayers, goodwill messages and a renewed commitment to promoting hope, dignity and rehabilitation among inmates,” he said.

According to him, the visit harped on the true meaning of Christmas as a season of love, compassion and second chances. (NAN)