Five inmates at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja were granted freedom, thanks to the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who visited the facility on Tuesday.
Ooni Ogunwusi, in honor of his 8th year on the throne, took time to visit the facility as part of his commitment to the Hope Alive Initiative for Africa.
In his statement, the Ooni conveyed that his visit was motivated by a profound empathy for humanity and a strong belief in providing people with a second opportunity to rectify their errors. He shared his joy at the warm reception extended to him and his wife during this special occasion.
The Ooni urged inmates not to see their incarceration as the end of life; rather, they should see it as an opportunity to turn a new leaf. In his words, ‘I am here for the real people who need hope; your condition today will be history tomorrow, so don’t give up.’
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Centre, Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC), Mr Samuel Duza, said, ‘The Ooni secured the release of five inmates through payment of fines.’
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In his counsel, the Ooni urged them to exhibit good behavior, follow the custodial center’s rules, and find the capacity for self-forgiveness, according to the command.
Furthermore, he assured backing for the inmates’ rehabilitation program, vowing to supply materials essential for enhancing their skill acquisition efforts.
Speaking in her capacity as the deputy convener of the Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, Olori Temitope Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi stated in her speech that the visit served a dual purpose – celebrating his majesty’s remarkable reign and reflecting on societal issues.
She commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the correctional service authorities for their commendable efforts in the reformation and reintegration of offenders.
Haliru Nababa, the Controller General of Corrections, extended appreciation to the king for choosing the Kuje centre to manifest benevolence, assuring them of the service’s resolute commitment to the comprehensive implementation of its mandate for the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.