By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – IN the spirit of Christmas, the youth wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, FCT Chapter, has given hope and support to Niger Delta youths as it donated food items, toiletries and others to inmates at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Leader of the delegation to Kuje Correctional Facility, Youth Leader, PANDEF, Comrade Embale Jonathan along with the Deputy Youth Leader, PANDEF, Amb. Ojineme Enakeme; Media & Publicity Secretary, PANDEF, Rt Hon. Unyeowaji Patterson Gabriel; Organizing Secretary, PANDEF, Chioma Atuzie; and Member, PANDEF, Iboroma Dabo, explained the essence of the visit and donations to the inmates while he emphasized that the festive season is a time of love, compassion and renewal.

Meanwhile, he reaffirmed PANDEF Youth Wing’s commitment to ensuring that no youth of the Niger Delta is left behind including those behind bars, adding that inmates from across the Niger Delta states remain part of the PANDEF family and will never be forgotten.

Meanwhile, beyond material support, the team engaged in interactive sessions, offering words of encouragement and exploring avenues for legal assistance for those with resolvable cases.

During the interactive session, inmates shared deeply moving testimonies.

One inmate from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government of Rivers State revealed that despite spending 14 years behind bars, he never relented in pursuing his academic dreams.

He successfully earned both a first degree and a master’s degree while incarcerated and has authored five books, a testament to resilience and the power of hope even in confinement.

Others narrated the challenges they face daily, ranging from lack of resources to practice vocational skills acquired in prison, absence of machines and raw materials for jobs, health struggles due to limited healthcare facilities, and the difficulty of properly x-raying their cases for favourable determination since they are in the FCT.

One inmate, overwhelmed with emotion, shared that in his 12 years of incarceration, no Rivers person had ever visited him. He described the PANDEF Youth Wing’s presence as profoundly reassuring, noting that having a Niger Delta-based organisation come to hear their voices was a source of renewed strength.

The inmates expressed immense gratitude for the visit and promised to continue being well-behaved within the facility, trusting in the mercies of God for eventual release.

The leader of the delegation, Jonathan reminded the inmates that prison is not the end of their story.

“True leadership means compassion and responsibility. We hope this visit inspires inmates to believe in themselves again, to see beyond their current situation, and to prepare for a brighter tomorrow. Our message is simple: you are not alone, and your future can still be meaningful”, he said.

He urged them to use their time productively to read, learn, reflect and build skills that will prepare them for reintegration and economic contribution upon release.

The youth leader also stressed that leadership is not only about those who are free but also about standing with every youth, regardless of circumstance, “As youths, we believe in second chances.

“Leadership begins with self-discipline and responsibility. Even here, you can inspire others by your choices.”

In closing the outreach, Jonathan emphasized unity and resilience stating that, “whether free or behind bars, we are one family. Together, we can build a future filled with dignity, purpose and hope. Christmas reminds us of renewal, use this season to renew your mind, forgive yourself and prepare for a fresh start.”