By Milcah Tanimu
In a significant initiative, Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN) has conferred certificates upon 34 inmates from the Kirikiri Maximum and Correctional facility in Lagos as part of its Sycamore Tree Project. The graduation event was hosted by Christ Livingspring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM), a member church of Prison Fellowship Nigeria.
Expressing gratitude after the program, Chaplain Michael Adeyemo, Chairman of the Lagos state chapter of PFN, thanked CLAM for organizing the 8-week training leading to the certificate awards. He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Correctional Service for opening its doors to facilitate the program.
Addressing the graduating students, Adeyemo urged them to become ambassadors of the program. The Sycamore Tree Project, he explained, is a restorative justice initiative designed to address issues without resorting to the Federal court system. Lagos has a restorative justice court, providing an alternative for aggrieved parties, victims, and offenders, thus avoiding unnecessary imprisonment.
Derived from the story of Zacchaeus and his encounter with Jesus Christ, the Sycamore Tree Project focuses on victim awareness. It aims to enhance understanding of the impact of crime on victims, offenders, and the broader community. The program, facilitated by trained PFN personnel, brings together victims and offenders (though not necessarily the direct parties involved) to foster a restorative justice approach.
Chaplain Michael Adeyemo expressed appreciation to God and extended an invitation for collaboration with the community and the state. The Prison Fellowship Nigeria continues its commitment to restorative justice, rehabilitation, and community engagement.
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