2026 Easter Pastoral Visit: Bishop Mamza Brings Message of Hope to Old Yola-Town Correctional Centre

Yola, Adamawa State — April 4, 2026

The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, on Saturday paid an Easter pastoral visit to the Old Yola-Town Correctional Centre, delivering a message of hope, dignity, and spiritual renewal to inmates.

The visit, which commenced at exactly 10:00 a.m., was part of the Diocese’s Easter outreach programme aimed at promoting solidarity and encouraging personal transformation among those in custody. The outreach was covered by the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Media Unit of the Diocese.

Addressing the inmates, Bishop Mamza urged them to embrace repentance, forgiveness, and self-renewal, stressing that incarceration does not take away their dignity as human beings. He reassured them of God’s enduring love and the Church’s continued support.

“You are not forgotten by the Church,” the Bishop said, encouraging inmates to see their time in custody as an opportunity for spiritual growth rather than despair.

The Old Yola-Town Correctional Centre, established in 1914 during Nigeria’s amalgamation era, served as the venue for the outreach, symbolizing a long-standing institution now receiving renewed attention through faith-based interventions.

Bishop Mamza was accompanied by the JDPC Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Maurice Kwairanga, members of the FMDM Sisters, JDPC staff, and members of the media.

As part of the visit, the Diocese donated relief materials to support the welfare of inmates. Items presented included a cow, bags of rice, cartons of detergents, Dettol, soap, and assorted primary healthcare drugs.

Officials of the correctional centre expressed gratitude for the visit and donations, noting that such gestures significantly boost inmate morale and contribute to improved welfare conditions.

The Easter outreach underscores the Catholic Diocese of Yola’s ongoing commitment to justice, compassion, and the dignity of every human person.

Titus Innocent Isinga, Hicia News