KSJI Port Harcourt Grand Secures Release of Six Inmates in Powerful Prison Evangelisation Outreach

Beyond the Uniform: Faith in Action, Hope Restored

On Friday, 2nd October 2026, the Port Harcourt Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and the Grand Ladies Auxiliary demonstrated the true meaning of Christian charity, purposeful leadership and service to humanity by securing the release of six inmates from the Port Harcourt Custodial Centre during a remarkable prison evangelisation and humanitarian outreach.

The outreach was spearheaded by the Grand President, Brigadier General P.M.C. Okeke, alongside the Grand Respected President of the Port Harcourt Grand Ladies Auxiliary, Lady Teresa Barong Akugbo, JP.

The initiative represents a practical fulfilment of one of the Corporal Works of Mercy: visiting the imprisoned.

Yet, this was far more than a routine prison visit.

Beyond prayers and words of encouragement, the outreach brought compassion, renewed hope and tangible intervention to persons deprived of their liberty. The successful release of six inmates stands as evidence of the conviction that Christian love must not remain merely in words, but must be demonstrated through meaningful action.

Mercy in the Month of the Holy Rosary

Particularly significant is the timing of the outreach in October, the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary.

Inspired by Mary’s maternal compassion, the initiative reflects the Christian call to reach out to the forgotten, comfort the afflicted and restore hope to those yearning for a new beginning.

Through purposeful leadership and a shared commitment to service, the Port Harcourt Grand Commandery and Grand Ladies Auxiliary continue to demonstrate that leadership is not merely about titles, ceremonial recognition or the splendour of the uniform. True leadership is also measured by sacrifice, service and the number of lives positively transformed.

Faith Beyond the Uniform

The prison evangelisation outreach further reinforces the commitment of Port Harcourt Grand to strengthening the visibility, relevance and spiritual identity of the Knights of St. John International within the Catholic Church and the wider society.

The Gospel reminds us in Matthew 25:36:

“I was in prison and you visited me.”

On this occasion, the Port Harcourt Grand translated that Gospel mandate into practical action.

Six lives touched. Six new opportunities for hope. One enduring message: Faith is most powerful when translated into action.

PORT HARCOURT GRAND COMMANDERY & GRAND LADIES AUXILIARY

FAITH IN ACTION. MERCY IN MOTION. SERVICE TO HUMANITY.

St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us!

Lady Nene Vik-Benibo
For: Port Harcourt Grand Editorial Board