Abeokuta, Ogun State – It was a day of reflection and renewed hope at the Ibara Correctional Centre on Thursday as the Ameerah of The Criterion, Ogun District, Alhaja Engr. Quadrat Oluwakemi Ayinde Oladimeji, delivered an inspiring message of mercy, repentance, and spiritual freedom to inmates during the 26th Anniversary of the Islamic Humanitarian Society of Nigeria.
In her address titled “Finding Light in the Narrow Place: A Message of Hope and Mercy,” Alhaja Oladimeji reminded the inmates that physical confinement does not equate to spiritual imprisonment. She urged them to use their time behind bars as an opportunity for inner growth, self-purification, and reconnection with Allah.
“We are all, in our own ways, prisoners,” she said. “Some are prisoners of their desires, some of their anger, some of their wealth. But the only true freedom is the freedom of the soul that comes from being a servant of Allah alone.”
The Ameerah drew from the Qur’anic story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), who was unjustly imprisoned but emerged stronger and wiser. She encouraged the inmates to view their current situation not as the end, but as a spiritual retreat designed by Allah for reflection and renewal.
“This place, which the world sees as punishment, can be your place of purification,” she said. “Prophet Yusuf walked out of prison not as a broken man, but as a leader. Perhaps Allah is preparing you, too.”
Citing verses from the Holy Qur’an, including Surah Az-Zumar (39:53), she emphasized Allah’s boundless mercy and urged the inmates never to lose hope in divine forgiveness.
“Do not despair of the mercy of Allah,” she quoted. “Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Your past does not have to be your future. The door to repentance is never closed.”
Alhaja Oladimeji also offered practical guidance for daily spiritual improvement, urging the inmates to guard their prayers, keep their tongues busy with dhikr (remembrance of Allah), draw close to the Qur’an, and practice forgiveness.
“Your dua (supplication) is heard,” she reassured. “Allah is Al-Fattah, The Opener. He can open any locked door, even the doors of the heart.”
The event, attended by members of the Islamic Humanitarian Society of Nigeria, prison officials, and volunteers, underscored the importance of faith-based outreach in correctional centres. Organizers described it as part of an ongoing effort to bring hope, moral reformation, and spiritual support to inmates.
Concluding her speech, the Ameerah prayed for the inmates, asking Allah to ease their burdens, forgive their sins, and reunite them with their families in the best of conditions.
“Your confinement is temporary,” she said softly. “But the mercy of Allah is eternal. May He make this trial a ladder to a better tomorrow.”
