Inmates of Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar have honoured Nollywood actress and humanitarian Queeneth Agbor with a birthday gift, describing her as a “voice of the voiceless” and affectionately addressing her as “Mom” in recognition of her humanitarian work.

The gesture took place during the Second Chance Birthday Rehabilitation, Education and Empowerment Initiative organised by the Queeneth Agbor Strength Beyond Walls Foundation on October 9, 2026, as part of activities marking the actress’s birthday.

The inmates presented Agbor with a gift bearing the message, “Happy Birthday, Mom,” in a moment that highlighted their appreciation for her efforts to promote rehabilitation, vocational training and empowerment among people in custodial centres.

Speaking on the gesture, Agbor said the inmates’ show of affection was a powerful reminder of the impact of humanitarian service.

“They called me Mom. They gave me a gift from their hearts. In that moment, I understood that sometimes the greatest reward for service is not what the world gives you, but what you mean to the people whose lives you touch,” she said.

The birthday celebration featured music, comedy, dance competitions and other recreational activities designed to create an atmosphere of joy and social interaction among the inmates.

Comedians MC Koboko and Microphone Girl entertained participants, while a disc jockey provided music for the event.

The inmates also participated in dance competitions, with cash prizes awarded for their performances.

Beyond the entertainment, the initiative provided an opportunity for inmates to showcase their creative abilities, including handmade products and sewing skills, with opportunities to sell their work and earn money.

The foundation said the programme was designed to encourage inmates to recognise their abilities, develop their talents and consider opportunities for productive living beyond incarceration.

A major component of the initiative was the provision of industrial sewing machines and empowerment support for inmates interested in tailoring, barbering, hairstyling and other vocational skills.

The intervention forms part of the foundation’s efforts to promote practical rehabilitation by equipping inmates with skills that could support self-reliance, employability and reintegration into society.

Agbor’s approach, according to the foundation, centres on the belief that humanitarian support should go beyond the distribution of relief materials to include opportunities that enable beneficiaries to build sustainable livelihoods.

The programme also recorded the release of two inmates, which the foundation described as a significant moment in its commitment to second chances and rehabilitation.

Their release reinforced the initiative’s message that people should have opportunities to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society through appropriate support, rehabilitation and legal interventions.

The foundation said it would continue to advocate for education, vocational training, empowerment and other opportunities for people in custodial centres.

The inmates’ decision to address Agbor as “Mom” has become a defining moment of the initiative, reflecting the relationship developed through her humanitarian engagements.

Through the Queeneth Agbor Strength Beyond Walls Foundation, the actress seeks to use her public platform to draw attention to the welfare of people behind custodial walls and encourage society to look beyond their circumstances.

The foundation also emphasised the importance of partnerships involving sponsors, legal practitioners, organisations and individuals committed to rehabilitation and social reintegration.

The initiative highlights the role of vocational education and empowerment in helping inmates prepare for life after incarceration, while challenging negative perceptions that can hinder their acceptance into society.

According to the foundation, its broader mission is to restore dignity, create opportunities and support individuals seeking a fresh start.

The Second Chance Initiative formed part of Agbor’s birthday activities, transforming the celebration into a humanitarian outreach focused on rehabilitation, education and empowerment.

The foundation said it would continue working towards a society where people in custodial centres are not forgotten and where their potential is not defined solely by their past.

The Queeneth Agbor Strength Beyond Walls Foundation is a humanitarian organisation focused on building hope, restoring dignity and creating opportunities for people in custodial centres through rehabilitation, education and empowerment initiatives.