The second day of celebrating the Peace initiative committee ,1 year Anniversary, the association visit the ibara correctional center to donate some food items
The Peace Initiative Committee, a youth-focused association committed to promoting peace, unity and curbing cultism, on Friday, 13 February visited the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where it donated food items and encouraged inmates to embrace positive change.
During the visit to the facility under the Nigerian Correctional Service, the association presented nine bags of noodles, two packs of spaghetti, one bag of rice and a large bag of garri to the inmates.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the association, Comrade Akeem Abioro, called on the Ogun State Government to consider granting amnesty or pardon to inmates who have demonstrated genuine repentance, particularly those who have acquired education or vocational skills while in custody.
Abioro also pledged that the association would visit the facility every three months and assist inmates with bailable offences where possible.
Addressing the inmates, members of the committee urged them not to lose hope but to see their current situation as a turning point for personal transformation. They advised them to shun violence, cultism, drug abuse and other social vices upon regaining their freedom, stressing that such acts do not lead to positive outcomes.
The Officer in Charge of the centre, Abdul Kareem Raji Adisa, commended the association for the visit and donation. He explained that inmates are held for various offences, noting that some are awaiting trial and should not be regarded as convicted prisoners.
He appealed to the association to collaborate with the state government in seeking possible pardon or intervention for inmates who have spent many years in custody, especially those who have shown genuine remorse and reformation.
Also speaking, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Razak emphasised that not everyone in custody is a convicted prisoner, explaining that individuals awaiting trial are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Public Relations Officer of the Peace Initiative Committee, Ifebola Togunwa, said the visit had strengthened the association’s resolve to discourage cultism, drug abuse and violence among youths.
He encouraged inmates to remain hopeful and focus on self-improvement, assuring them that the committee would continue to monitor and support reformed individuals while discouraging any return to criminal activities.
Two inmates, one male and one female, expressed appreciation to the association for the gesture.
The male inmate said his time in custody had enabled him to reflect on his past involvement in smoking, drinking and violence, adding that he had learned valuable lessons and was determined to become a better person upon release.
The female inmate similarly thanked the group and promised that she and others would lead responsible lives if given another opportunity.
A total of 42 male inmates and five female inmates attended the meeting, alongside four correctional officers. Members of the committee also toured sections of the facility, including vocational training areas where inmates are being trained in tailoring,
