The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi secures the release of five inmates during his visit to the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja on Tuesday.

The visit was part of activities commemorating the Ooni’s 8th anniversary on the throne.

In his remarks, Ooni Ogunwusi, who is also the Convener of the Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, expressed his empathy for humanity and his belief in affording individuals a second chance to correct their mistakes.

He shared his joy at the warm reception received during the special occasion.

The monarch encouraged the inmates not to view their incarceration as the end of life but as an opportunity to embark on a new path.

He stated, “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 Kuje Custodial Centre, Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Mr. Samuel Duza, explained, “The Ooni secured the release of five inmates through payment of fines.”

Duza urged the released individuals to exhibit good behavior, adhere to the center’s rules, and embrace the opportunity for rehabilitation.

To further support the inmates’ rehabilitation, the Ooni pledged to provide materials to aid their skill acquisition programs.

The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, expressed gratitude to the Ooni for selecting the Kuje center for the benevolent gesture, assuring them of the service’s dedication to the full implementation of its mandate for inmate reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.