The Nigerian Navy Secondary School Abeokuta Alumni Association officials at the presentation of items to inmates at Suleja Correctional Service Centre
ABUJA- The Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Abeokuta Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter, on Wednesday donated toiletries and other hygiene items to inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Suleja Custodia Centre.
The association also facilitated the release of Muhammad Kalifa, Daniel John, Franklin Prince, Abdullahi Hussein, Hosea Adams and Bello Ismail, all male inmates of the custodial centre.
Mr Olasunkanmi Oladokun, Chairman of the association, who led other members of the association to the centre said the visit was aimed at giving hope to the inmates.
According to him, we have always visited orphanages and IDP camps, but this year, we decided to do something different. We thought about the inmates who are often forgotten and resolved to visit them.
“So today, we came here, not with empty hands of course, but with toiletries such as toothpaste, bathing soaps, sponges, eye gel and bathroom slippers for the inmates and we also facilitated the release of six of them by paying their fines.
“Our message is simply to give them hope that tomorrow will be better.”
While congratulating Nigerians on her 65th independence anniversary, Oladokun also urged every citizen to use the occasion to adopt a positive attitude towards the country, stressing that every one had a role to play in nation-building.
Similarly, Navy Capt. Godfrey Osuobeni, former Chairman of the association, advised the inmates not to see their stay at the centre as the end of life.
“You are here not because you are the worst sinners but for correction. See the situation as an opportunity to amend your ways. Everything will be all right after you leave, and you will become better citizens,” he said.
In the same vein, Mr Ugo Uyanna, Public Relations Officer of the association, said the outreach was part of its annual corporate social responsibility.
“Every Oct. 1st, we reach out to vulnerable groups. Last year, we visited the Defence Medical Centre, Mogadishu Barracks; two years ago, an IDP camp; and three years ago, a Motherless Babies Home.
“Going forward, we plan to do more for female inmates and contribute to facilities like the chapel, that is within our capacity of course,” he said.
Meanwhile, an official of the custodial centre, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak, cautioned the released inmates against returning to crime, warning that the centre would not be lenient if they returned. (NAN)
