Former Miss Heritage Africa (2016) and Miss Heritage Nigeria (2015), Benedicta Akpana, has paid the fines of five inmates at the Suleja Custodian Centre in Niger state to mark her birthday.
The inmates had been unable to secure their release due to financial constraints.
During her visit, Akpana donated toiletries, food items, provisions, and other essentials worth millions of naira. She also extended her support to two infants living with their mothers in the facility.
Speaking at the event, Akpana said, “For a moment, I imagined what these individuals would have been if they weren’t here. That someone is in prison doesn’t mean all hope is lost for them.
“So, we decided to come here today to spread hope. To tell our brothers and sisters here that if life gives them a second chance, they must make use of it and live it in full. Our God is a God of second chances, and we believe some of them will come out stronger to fulfil their purpose in life.”
The actress and movie producer encouraged Nigerians to support vulnerable members of society, saying, “We came here with the little we could afford. We cleared the fines of five inmates, and while we wanted to do more, only five were available. This experience has inspired me to do this more often, not just on my birthday.”
Deputy Controller of Prisons, Ibrahim Ya’u, expressed gratitude for her kindness and assured that the released inmates would be taken to court the next day to finalize their release.
Ya’u said, “We appreciate her generosity and the message of hope she brought to the inmates. This kind of support goes a long way in showing them that they are not forgotten.”
