Foremost broadcaster and media personality, Abdullahi Dare Akogun has encouraged inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, not to despair over their situation but see it as an act of God and also a moment for sober reflections.
Akogun who is a Senior Editor with Sobi FM Ilorin, stated this when he celebrated his birthday with the inmates at the Mandala Medium Custodian Centre.
Akogun was accompanied by friends and colleagues said that prison inmates are also part of the society that must not be discriminated against, but rather shown love and compassion.
” 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 lot 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 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, ” he said.
Akogun however called on well meaning Nigerians to always look for ways to contribute to the wellbeing prisoners and the prison service in general, saying the government can not do it alone.
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 Services Assistant Controller of Corrections 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 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.