By Adebayo Abubakar
Sobi FM’s Senior News Editor and media personality Dare Akogun has called on well meaning Nigerians to always look for ways to contribute to the wellbeing of prisoners and the prison service in general, saying the government can not do it alone.
Akogun made this call during his birthday celebration with inmates at the Mandala Medium Custodian Centre Ilorin.
Accompanied by friends and colleagues Akogun said that prison inmates are also part of the society that must not be discriminated against, but rather shown love and compassion and be well catered for.
” When I was here in October this year so many people took their time to visit me in this place, and their words of encouragement helped me a great deal to cope during the period I was here.
” My time inside here made me realise that life inside the prison is a lesson that can only be learnt only if it’s experienced.
” I decided to celebrate my birthday with you guys in reciprocation of the love I was shown while I was here , and the support if well meaning Nigerians who supported this cause with token that has made today possible.
” I want to use this opportunity to call on well meaning Nigerians to always remember prison inmates not only in times of celebration, but everytime they believe they have whatever it takes to support them and make their stay in prison conducive,” he said.
Also speaking at the short event the Head of Program and Presentation, Sobi Oluwafemi Oparinde the Head of News and HR Advisor Adebayo Abubakar , both admonished the inmates to always have the believe that whatever happened to any human being has been predestined by God almighty
They however advised the inmates to make judicious use of their time in the prison, so that whenever they are released they will be useful for themselves and the society.
In his remarks Officer in Charge of Mandala Correctional Centre Assistant Controller of Corrections, ACC, Oyedele Asiyanbi, commended Akogun and his friends for remembering the inmates despite their tight schedules.
He said private individuals can do more to ensure prison is conducive for inmates, who despite committing a crime or the other the seclusion is meant to reform them to be a good citizens when ever they are released back into the society.
“I want to urge you to use your medium to enlighten the people and call on well meaning Nigerians on the need to inculcate the habit of visiting the prisons for motivational talks and donating items that will make the prison conducive for inmates,” he said.
