Our Inception & Custodial Work
Since inception, we have worked directly with correctional centers in Port Harcourt to counsel inmates, provide essential welfare items, and identify those who are genuinely repentant and determined to change their lives.
The Relapse Crisis in Nigeria
Over 70% of ex-inmates in Nigeria relapse within 3 years due to heavy stigma, lack of vocational skills, and zero economic support. Rivers State correctional facilities face severe overcrowding, and without tools to rebuild, released individuals are trapped in recidivism. EMF bridges this vital gap.
The Ethan Mercy Rehabilitation & Skills Acquisition Center
Located at Abara Etche in Etche L.G.A, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, our center is designed to train 120 repented prisoners per 6-month cycle (240 beneficiaries yearly) across 9 core marketable skills, graduating each with starter packs, certification, and microcredit linkage.
The Encounter that Birthed Ethan-Mercy Foundation
In 1995/96, as a young Christian, our founder entered a custodial prison environment for the very first time on a ministry visit. There, he encountered Pastor Agwu Martin, who had experienced a radical salvation encounter with Jesus Christ while serving time in incarceration for a crime he never committed.
Seeing inmates stripped of worldly comforts, wearing torn clothing, yet lifting their hands in pure, tearful worship to God redefined everything: “Worship and praise of God is not dependent on the flamboyancy or the gadgets we have, nor the conduciveness of the environment, but from a heart done with gratitude for being alive.”
Inspired by the words of the late Pastor Steven Akinola of Redemption Ministries—reminding us that true children of God must find purpose in the Kingdom—a lifelong partnership with the International Prison Ministry took root. Today, that seed has yielded Ethan-Mercy Foundation (EMF).
Vision & Mission Statements
Our Vision
“To see to the welfare of repented prisoners and restore their dignity.”
Our Mission
“Provide moral reformation, vocational training, and reintegration support so that former inmates become productive, law-abiding citizens instead of returning to crime.”
Since inception, we have worked with correctional centers in Port Harcourt to counsel inmates, provide welfare items, and identify those genuinely repentant and willing to change.
The Recidivism Crisis in Rivers State & Nigeria
Over 70% of ex-inmates in Nigeria relapse within 3 years due to stigma, lack of skills, and no economic support. Rivers State correctional facilities are overcrowded, and many repentant prisoners are released without tools to rebuild their lives. This cycle fuels recidivism, insecurity, and strain on state resources.
Pervasive Stigma
Societal discrimination and refusal of formal employment lock ex-inmates out of legitimate livelihoods.
Lack of Marketable Skills
Without practical vocational trades, returning citizens are unable to earn an honest living.
Zero Economic Support
Release without starter capital or equipment drives individuals back into survival-driven crime.
Custodial Overcrowding
Rivers State correctional facilities operate far beyond capacity, straining public and state resources.
Ethan Mercy Rehabilitation & Skills Acquisition Center
Goal: A fully equipped center to train only repented prisoners in marketable skills before they rejoin society.
Abara Etche in Etche L.G.A, Port Harcourt in Rivers State
120 per 6-month cycle (240 beneficiaries yearly)
Only Repented Prisoners
Starter Packs + Certification + Microcredit Linkage
Board of Trustees
Governed by passionate leaders committed to transparency, justice reform, and Christian restoration.
Chairman & FounderOhonsi Austin
Director of OperationsVisionary founder who established Ethan-Mercy Foundation following decades of custodial ministry partnerships dating back to 1995/96.
TrusteeOhonsi Josephine
Head of Services & Guidance SupportLeads holistic welfare services, post-release family reconciliation, and psycho-spiritual guidance for returning citizens.
TrusteePastor Agwu Martins
Spiritual Advisor & Prison Ministry PioneerPioneer custodial minister with the International Prison Ministry whose wrongful incarceration and miraculous faith journey inspired EMF.
Trustee & BOT SecretaryOlatunji Fisayo Felix
Board Secretary & Governance OfficerOversees statutory board compliance, institutional registry filings, and strategic inter-agency partnerships.
Executive & Departmental Leadership
Our dedicated administrative heads ensuring smooth execution across education, legal, and welfare operations.
| Officer Name | Role | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Ohonsi Austin | Director of Operations | Executive Management |
| Dr. Mercy Jones, PhD | Administrator / Principal | Academic & Complex Administration |
| Barrister David O. Abuo (PSC) | Head of Legal Team | Legal Defense & Decongestion |
| Famous Duregha (CDS) | Legal Aides Coordinator | NYSC Legal Aid Community Development |
| Shola Daniels | Accountant | Finance & Stewardship |
| Pastor Martins Agwu | Co-Lead, Guidance & Counselling | Pastoral Care & Rehabilitation |
| Mrs. Ohonsi Josephine | Co-Lead, Guidance & Services | Welfare & Counseling |
| Mfon Francis | Security & ITC Coordinator | Technology & Physical Security |
| Adodo Charles | ITC & Services Support | Operations & Digital Logistics |
Our Guiding Pillars
Dignity in Restoration
Every human being possesses intrinsic worth. We meet individuals with compassion, erasing stigma with practical opportunity.
Hands-on Empowerment
True freedom requires earning power. We teach 9 certified vocational trades so graduates can support themselves independently.
Systemic Accountability
We champion structural justice reforms, advocating for fair arrest record documentation and expedited bail reviews.
Faith Put into Action
Rooted in love and Christian compassion, our doors and support are open to all who embrace the journey of personal rebirth.
Milestones of Our Journey
Foundation Establishment
Founded in Rivers State as a dedicated NGO to support ex-prisoners and break the cycle of recidivism.
Field Outreach & Prison Ministry
Active visitation to correctional facilities, humanitarian supplies, and pilot awaiting-trial legal reviews in Port Harcourt.
Site Acquisition & Groundbreaking
Acquisition of designated complex land in Etchie LGA, groundbreaking dedication, and commencement of blocklaying.
Permanent Complex & Trade Intakes
Completing technical workshop wings, residential hostels, and launching certified 8-track vocational cycles.