In a landmark event titled Compassion in Leadership Outreach, Compassion Connectors Nigeria partnered with the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development and Vision Africa International this May to deliver a day of engagement and education at the Umuahia Medium Security Correctional Custodial Center.
The outreach was an example of how compassion can transform institutions.
On arrival, the team was warmly welcomed by key figures at the Center, including the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Mr. Mabia Orjiako, Public Relations Officer Mr. Linus Ikpe, and Sports and Education Coordinator Mr. Ugwo Isaiah Blessing.
This collaborative initiative was rooted in two core goals: to provide a sense of support and community to those in prison, and to encourage leaders—especially in politics and public service—to adopt compassion as a guiding principle for their work.
Education for Empowerment
The day began with a lecture series under the theme Society and You… The Importance of Good Citizenship. Representatives from the Department of Citizenship and Leadership, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, and the National Open University Special Study Centre led the session. Their talks centered on the role of responsible citizenship and the powerful ripple effects of empathetic leadership in society.
United for Women’s Health
In tandem with World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Compassion Connectors Nigeria launched a critical new initiative: the Sanitary Pad Bank Project, part of its United for Women’s Health Campaign. This was simultaneously launched at two facilities—Umuahia Medium Security Center and the Female Custodial Facility in Kirikiri, Lagos State.
The project provides much-needed menstrual hygiene products to women in custody, safeguarding dignity and health. At Kirikiri, a registered volunteer nurse from the Lagos Circle of Compassion Connectors led an educational session on menstrual hygiene management for the women. Bags of sanitary pads were donated at both sites, marking the start of ongoing support for incarcerated women’s health needs.
Building Community Through Sport
In a moving finale to the day, individuals residing at the Umuahia Custodial Centre and visitors came together for a “Compassion Friendly” football match—GCC Stars FC (Umuahia) versus Vision Africa Waves FC. The match was dedicated to celebrating the compassionate leadership of the Executive Governor of Abia State. The game ended in a 1–1 draw, but the atmosphere was rich with unity and joy. The visiting team generously donated their branded jerseys and a new football to the prison’s team. Afterwards, players from both sides shared food and drink, a simple yet powerful act of fellowship.
A Broader Gift
In addition to the football gear, several educational supplies were donated to support the prison’s rehabilitation programs: a carton of chalk, 50 pens, and a pack of 60-leaf exercise books were handed over to assist students in the Mass Literacy Program. The outreach also included a guided tour of the prison’s academic and medical facilities, laying the groundwork for future governmental support.
The day concluded with the ceremonial kick-off of the football match by Mrs. Ugoala Kelechi, Head of Administration at the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, standing in for the Honourable Commissioner, Sir Obilor Nwadinma Ananaba.
A Model of Compassionate Leadership
This outreach was more than a one-day event. It was a glimpse of what leadership, grounded in compassion, can look like—fostering dignity, education, and community. The team, led by Uwalaka Uchechukwu of Compassion Connectors Nigeria, was joined by representatives from the Boys Scout of Nigeria (Abia State Chapter) and staff from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.
As one participant put it, “This is what true leadership looks like—showing up, listening, and leaving people better than you found them.”
The work continues, but May 28th stands as a powerful reminder that even in the most unlikely places, compassion finds a way.