Jide OLOWOYO

The Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Archdiocese of Ibadan, has intensified preparations for its annual Christmas Party with inmates of the Agodi Correctional Centre, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as part of activities marking the festive season.

The annual outreach, which has become a hallmark of JDPC Ibadan’s commitment to restorative justice, human dignity, and social inclusion, will this year feature a medical outreach in addition to the traditional Christmas celebration, aimed at addressing the health needs of inmates and reaffirming their worth as members of society.

Speaking on the ongoing preparations, the Director of JDPC Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Charles Ajibaye explained that the 2025 edition is particularly significant as it aligns with the 2025 Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” Within this global celebration, the Church has set aside a special observance known as the “Jubilee of Prisoners,” highlighting the place of inmates in the broader narrative of hope, mercy, and renewal.

“This work cannot be done without coalition and support from benefactors and people of goodwill,” the Director noted. “The Christmas inmate celebration requires collective effort, and we continue to reach out to parishes, partners, and the general public for financial, medical, material, and volunteer support.”

As part of these efforts, JDPC Ibadan has embarked on a parish-based advocacy and fundraising drive, with the Director visiting several Catholic parishes across Ibadan to sensitize parishioners and seek support for the outreach. According to him, the appeals commenced on October 26, and more parishes are being scheduled for visits in the coming weeks.

So far, parishes visited include St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ojoo; CKC Odo-Ona; Good Shepherd Parish, Felele; Divine Mercy Parish, Monatan; Church of the Ascension, Bodija; St. Rita’s Parish, Aromata; St. Thomas Parish, Agbowo; and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Bashorun, among others. He noted that the advocacy visits are being carried out in collaboration with Rev. Fr. Felix, M.Afr, Parish Priest of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ojoo.

Reflecting on the response from the parishes, the Director expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and generosity shown by parish priests and parishioners.

“I am always deeply grateful for the openness of the parishes and the overwhelming generosity of the people,” he said. “What stands out for me is the readiness of people to come to the aid of inmates. Many are surprised to realize that prisoners still deserve compassion, care, and a second chance at life.”

Beyond parish engagements, JDPC Ibadan has also sustained a robust media advocacy campaign to mobilize public support and raise awareness about the forthcoming Christmas outreach. On Tuesday, December 9, the Director, alongside the organization’s Head of Media, ‘Jide Olowoyo and a Programme Officer, Yetunde Ayeni from the Caritas department, featured on Pensioners’ FM, where they spoke extensively on the objectives of the outreach, the planned medical component, and the need for public support.

The media engagement continued on Tuesday, 16th December with a live appearance on Splash FM, where the team engaged listeners on the preparations so far and encouraged individuals, organizations, and corporate bodies to support the initiative.

According to JDPC Ibadan, these radio engagements form part of a broader strategy to ensure transparency, community ownership, and inclusive participation in the Christmas outreach.

In furtherance of this public engagement drive, the organization has scheduled a press conference to hold on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the JDPC office in Ibadan. The press briefing will provide journalists with detailed insights into the scope of the outreach, highlight partnerships and support received so far, and outline expectations for the Christmas Day activities at the Correctional Centre.

JDPC Ibadan reiterated its call for support from individuals and organizations, noting that contributions can be made in the form of financial donations, medical supplies, food items, clothing, and volunteer services, including physical presence during the outreach.

The Director emphasized that the central message of this year’s outreach remains simple but profound: “If there is life, there is hope.”

“As Pilgrims of Hope, we walk into correctional centers every Christmas with open hearts,” he said. “And as long as hope is needed behind those walls, JDPC Ibadan will continue to answer.”

Members of the public who wish to support the Christmas Outreach are encouraged to reach out to JDPC Ibadan through its social media platforms, @JDPCIbadan or visit St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Bashorun, for further information.