Margaret Egbe | April 20, 2026
“For I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:36)
On the 11th of APRIL, 2026, the air around the Ikoyi Custodial Center in Lagos carried a different kind of energy. It wasn’t just the humidity of a Lagos morning; it was the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit as the Come Lets Pray Catholic Family Ministry (CLP LAGOS) arrived for their Easter Charity Outreach.
While the world celebrated the season of Resurrection in their homes, CLP LAGOS chose to bring that message of rebirth and second chances to those behind bars.
A Feast for the Soul: The Holy Mass
The day began with the most powerful prayer of the Church—the Holy Mass. It was a profound sight to see the Catholic inmates joined in worship with visitors, reminding everyone present that in the eyes of God, there are no “outcasts,” only children of the Light.
We were immensely honored to have Rev. Fr. Simon Onyekachi Madu, OSJ the Founder and Spiritual Director of Come Let’s Pray Catholic Family Ministry in our midst. He didn’t just grace the event; he presided over the Mass, delivering a stirring homily on hope and redemption. His presence provided a fatherly embrace to the inmates, as he spent time praying individually for their intentions and spiritual healing.
Restoring Dignity: Feeding and Care
Faith without works is dead, and the CLP LAGOS team made sure to put their love into action. Following the spiritual nourishment, the ministry moved to address the physical needs of our brothers:
Feeding the Multitude: We were privileged to provide a festive Easter meal to over 700 inmates, ensuring that the joy of the season was tasted by all.
Essential Provisions: Basic hygiene is a matter of human dignity. The ministry distributed essential toiletries to help improve the daily living conditions of the inmates.
A Promise of Freedom: The Road Ahead
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the outreach was the commitment to Justice. CLP LAGOS recognizes that charity isn’t just about a meal; it’s about systemic support.
We officially pledged to deepen our collaboration with sister agencies—most notably the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC)—and other charity organizations. The goal is clear: to provide robust legal assistance and follow-up for inmates who have been overlooked by the system, working tirelessly to secure the release of those eligible for freedom.
Heartfelt Gratitude
This mission would have remained a mere dream without the incredible “boots on the ground” and the generous hearts behind the scenes.
To Our Leadership Team:
A massive thank you to the coordinators who steered this ship with grace and dedication:
Ngozi Ejido – Coordinator
Francis Anumu – Assistant Coordinator
Francisca Ibeh – Treasurer
Your logistics, planning, and heart for the ministry are the pillars of this success.
To Our Donors:
To every person who gave a widow’s mite or a significant contribution—you were the hands and feet of Christ today. Because of you, 700 men felt remembered and loved. God bless you. Amen
Join Us
Easter is about the triumph of life over death and light over darkness. At Ikoyi Custodial Center, we saw that light flicker back to life in the eyes of many.
CLP LAGOS remains committed to the family—both those in our homes and those in our prisons. Let us continue to pray, to give, and to love without boundaries.
COME LET’S PRAY CATHOLIC FAMILY MINISTRY is a global community where prayer transcends boundaries, embracing diversity, and igniting hope. It is a pathway of faith revival to appreciate catholic traditional prayers and devotion to Mary. The ministry is open to everyone: Catholics, non-Catholics, and people of other faiths.
