Hope Shines On Female Inmates As Abuja Moms Extend Caring Hand

A ray of hope illuminated the lives of the female inmates at the Suleja Custodial Center in Niger State as members of the Abuja Moms, a women-only Facebook group, paid them a heartwarming visit recently. The visit marked the commencement of the group’s activities to celebrate the “Women’s Month” observed annually in March.

Happiness Ani, the founder of the Abuja Moms Empowerment Foundation, led the group to the custodial center, driven by a mission to uplift and celebrate the female inmates who, despite their unfortunate circumstances, deserve to be remembered and supported.

“It is unfortunate that you are here but as far as there is life, there is hope. We are here to celebrate you,” she told the over 30 female inmates who gathered at the Freedom Chapel of the custodial center to receive them.

Ani explained that the Abuja Moms was a platform with over 48,000 members whose sole purpose is to show love and support to ‘sisters’ who are living in Abuja and its environs.

She noted that the group has succeeded in changing the narrative that says that women do not help themselves adding that it has continued to empower women to become change-makers in society.

“We are Sisters’ Keepers. We are changing the narrative that women do not help themselves. Unlike the myth, we are changing the game. That is why we are Game Changers,” she said.

While presenting gift items of foodstuff and provisions to the inmates, Ani explained that the group would also offer legal services to the women who needed them.

“We are here with our legal team led by Barr. Nma Dickson who has over 20 years of experience in the legal profession. We will listen to you, review your cases and see what we can do to get some of you out of here,” she said.

She however warned, “After helping to get you out of here and you make another mistake that will bring you back here, know that you are on your own.”

The inmates also had the opportunity to talk to the members of the group about their worries and concerns, which the inmates stated was therapeutic.

“Today, I felt like a real woman again,’ Chioma, one of the inmates, told THE WHISTLER.

“I needed to talk with women who will understand my plight and what I am going through. They came here for me and I am happy and grateful,” she said.

Ani urged the women not to relent in placing their hopes in God adding that in everything she does, she has always placed God first.

Speaking about her relationship with God, Ani said, “I have always said that I am a born again with a bone straight hair. I love God. I dey do shakara but I do it with God in mind. I believe that we preach the gospel with our characters.”

As part of the group’s support in empowering the inmates, the Founder also donated N200,000 to the women who disclosed that they were doing petty business at the centre.

But the visit did not end without the inmates showering prayers of blessing to the group who had come to be with them.

They also expressed their gratitude to the group adding that the visit had uplifted their spirit.

“I have been in this place for three years now and no one has ever made me this,” Rakayat, one of the inmates said.

“When we were told that a group was visiting us, I was reluctant to come out but now, I am glad I did,” she added.