By Milcah Tanimu

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, visited the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja to mark his 8th anniversary on the throne and secured the release of five inmates during his visit. Ooni Ogunwusi, who is also the Convener of the Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, expressed empathy for humanity and a belief in giving people a second chance to correct their mistakes.

During his visit, the Ooni urged the inmates not to view their incarceration as the end of life but as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. He encouraged them, saying, “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 of the Custodial Centre, Samuel Duza, stated that the Ooni secured the release of five inmates by paying their fines. He advised the released inmates to behave well, follow the rules of the custodial centre, and forgive themselves. The Ooni also pledged support for the inmates’ rehabilitation programs by providing materials to aid their skill acquisition.

Olori Temitope Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the deputy convener of the Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, highlighted that the visit aimed not only to celebrate the Ooni’s reign but also to reflect on societal issues. She commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and correctional service authorities for their efforts in the reformation and reintegration of offenders.

The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, expressed gratitude to the Ooni for choosing the Kuje centre for their benevolence, assuring them of the correctional service’s commitment to the full implementation of its mandate in the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.