The convener, Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside his wife, secured the release of five inmates from the Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday.
Ogunwusi, according to a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, said the payment of fine for the inmates was in “commemoration of his 8th anniversary on the throne of his fore-fathers.”
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.”
According to the statement, the monarch who “secured the release of five inmates by paying their fines” promised to support the inmates’ rehabilitation with the supply of equipment to aid their skill acquisition.
In her speech, the monarch’s wife, Temitope, said the occasion was not only to celebrate the reign of the traditional ruler, but also to reflect on societal issues, adding “We are reminded of the power of forgiveness, redemption and second chance.”
She also applauded the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the correctional service authorities for their job in the reformation and reintegration of inmates.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Ibrahim Idris, who was represented by Olatunbosun Ajibogun of Planning, Research and Statistics, appreciated the monarch and his wife for choosing Kuje Custodial Centre, assuring them of the service’s commitment to its mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into the society.
