“God Has Not Abandoned You”: Archbishop Akubeze Delivers Message of Hope and Justice at Benin Prison
BENIN CITY – In a powerful Christmas Day homily that blended spiritual consolation with a sharp prophetic critique of Nigerian society, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, visited the Sapele Road Correctional Centre to assure inmates that "God enters the prison of human suffering."
Speaking on December 25, 2025, the Archbishop delivered a message centered on the theme "Christ Is Born for You," reminding those behind bars that the Savior was born in a manger—a place of rejection—specifically to identify with the marginalized and the forgotten.
A Gospel for the "Forgotten"
Archbishop Akubeze began by personalizing the Christmas miracle for the inmates. He emphasized that the "good news of great joy" mentioned in the Gospel of Luke was intended for all people, explicitly including those restricted by prison walls.
"Christ identifies Himself with those behind bars," the Archbishop declared. "He knows what it means to be pushed aside and misunderstood. This is a freedom that begins in the heart—a freedom that no prison wall can block and no sentence can cancel."
Drawing on the teachings of Saint John Paul II and Pope Francis, Akubeze reminded the congregation that God’s mercy is "stronger than human weakness," and that no past mistake is beyond the reach of divine healing.
A Critique of Broken Systems
The homily took a poignant turn as the Archbishop addressed the socio-political realities of Nigeria and Edo State. He did not shy away from the struggles of 2025, citing the "weight of disappointment" felt by many citizens.
The Archbishop pointedly criticized:
- Political Elites: Accusing them of enriching themselves at the expense of the poor.
- Economic Injustice: Highlighting debts accumulated without the people's consent.
- Systemic Failures: Mentioning those failed by the justice system, victims of kidnapping, and those harmed by fake drugs and inadequate healthcare.
"Many look at the past and see pain; at the present and see struggle; at the future and see only fear," he noted. However, he urged the inmates to remember that suffering is not a sign of rejection by God, promising that "2026 will be a year of visitation and blessing."
A Call for Judicial Reform and Mercy
In a direct appeal to the authorities, Archbishop Akubeze challenged the Edo State Government to uphold the dignity of prisoners. He called for urgent action to address:
- Justice Delays: Fast-tracking cases for those awaiting trial.
- Overcrowding: Improving the living conditions within correctional facilities.
- Restorative Justice: He renewed his appeal to the Governor of Edo State for the pardon and commutation of long sentences for deserving inmates.
He further mobilized the Church’s legal and charitable arms, urging the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Catholic lawyers, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to intensify their efforts in seeking justice for the incarcerated.
New Names for a New Year
Closing with a message of personal transformation, the Archbishop told the inmates that because of Christ’s birth, their identities had changed. "You are no longer called Forsaken or Broken," he said. "Christ gives you new names: Redeemed of the Lord and Sought Out."
He encouraged the inmates to use their time for spiritual growth and reconciliation, preparing for a "fruitful and grace-filled 2026."
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