The Nollywood Ghana Chapter, in collaboration with the Nigeria in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Ghana, recently made a compassionate visit to Nigerian inmates at Nsawam Prison to celebrate Independence Day and help them feel a sense of freedom and dignity. Led by Hon. Destiny Austine Omon, President of Nollywood Ghana Chapter, and Chief Calistus, Chairman of NIDO Ghana's Board of Directors, the visit aimed to address the pressing needs and dire conditions faced by many Nigerian inmates in both the male and female sections of the prison.
During the visit, Hon. Omon expressed deep concern for the inmates, emphasizing the troubling cases of those arrested without proper legal representation, some even for no offense, and others abandoned by their families and communities. Chief Calistus, in his speech, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the gravity of the situation. He lamented that many inmates felt neglected by the Nigerian High Commission, with some sharing heartbreaking stories of paying lawyers who vanished after receiving their fees, leaving them helpless and without legal counsel.
In celebration of Independence Day, the visiting team brought donations of food items, cooked meals of traditional Nigerian dishes, toiletries, sanitary pads for the female inmates, and cash to provide some relief to those struggling with the harsh realities of prison life. This thoughtful gesture aimed not only to offer material support but also to instill a sense of belonging and independence among the inmates. The joy and gratitude expressed by the inmates reflected the positive impact of the visit, reminding them that they are not forgotten.
Chief Calistus and Hon. Omon, on behalf of NIDO Ghana and the Nollywood Ghana Chapter, pledged to continue visiting the inmates regularly to provide both material and moral support. However, they also made a heartfelt plea to the Nigerian High Commission and the CEO of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene urgently. They called for more comprehensive support from Nigerian authorities to ensure that these inmates receive proper legal aid and humanitarian assistance.
Their plea was clear: Nigerians in foreign prisons, particularly those unjustly detained or abandoned, deserve the full attention and support of their government. Both organizations remain committed to advocating for these inmates until meaningful change is achieved, urging Nigerian authorities to step in and ensure justice and care for their citizens abroad, thereby allowing them to experience a sense of independence, even in challenging circumstances.
