By Oluwatosin Maliki
The Convener of Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, in partnership with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and his wife, facilitated the release of five inmates from the Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday.
According to a statement by Oba Ogunwusi, issued by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, the payment of fine for the inmates was in “commemoration of his 8th anniversary on the throne of his fathers.”
Also, the Ooni of Ife told the inmates “I am here for the real people who need hope. Your today’s condition will be history tomorrow.”
Furthermore, the statement explained that the monarch who “secured the release of five inmates by paying their fines” equally promised to support their rehabilitation, saying they will be supplied with equipment to aid their skills acquisition.
During her speech, the monarch’s wife, Temitope, noted that the occasion was not only to mark the celebration of the reign of the traditional ruler, but also to reflect on the societal issues, adding that, “We are reminded of the power of forgiveness, redemption and second chance.”
Meanwhile, she commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as well as the correctional service authorities for their efforts in the reformation and reintegration of inmates.
Additionally, the Controller of Corrections FCT Command, Ibrahim Idris who was represented by Olatunbosun Ajibogun of Planning Research and Statistics, thanked the monarch and his wife for choosing Kuje Custodial Centre.
He further assured them of the service’s commitment to its mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into the society.