The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has called on inmates not to see their incarceration as the end of life, but should rather see it as an opportunity to turn a new leaf.
The monarch gave this advice on Tuesday during a visit the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Kuje, in comomeration of his 8th year Anniversary on the throne.
The Ooni who is the Convener, Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, in his remarks, said his visit was necessitated by his empathy for humanity and his belief in giving a second chance to people to correct their mistakes. He expressed joy on the warm reception accorded him and his wife on this special occasion.
He 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 Ooni secured the release of five inmates through payment of fines.
He admonished them to be of good behavior, comport themselves in line with the rules of the custodial centre and forgive themselves.
The Ooni promised to support the inmates rehabilitation programme by giving materials to aid their skills acquisition program.
In her speech, the deputy convener, Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, Olori Temitope Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi said the visit was not only to celebrate the remarkable reign of his majesty but to reflect on societal issues which according to her “we are reminded of the power of forgiveness, redemption and second chance.
She applauded the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the correctional service authorities for doing a great job in the reformation and reintegration of the offenders.
The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, appreciated the Regal Majesty and the Olori for choosing MSSC Kuje to show their benevolence, he assured them of the service commitment to the full implementation of Service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates of offenders.
The CGC who was able represented by Controller of Corrections in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ajibogun Olatubosun admonished the discharged inmates to be good ambassador of the centre in their future endeavors.
Highlight of the event, was exhibition of items produced by inmates of the facility.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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