AKINGBASO PROMISES LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR INMATES IN ONDO CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

By Kelvin Babalola, 31st December, 2023

The Vice Chairman House Committee on Aviation, Hon Festus Akingbaso recently paid a courtesy visit to the inmates at Ondo State Correctional Centre, Olokuta where he gave out gifts and foodstuffs to them.

The visit of the Philanthropist Politician, a member of the House of Representatives representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency on Sunday was to show solidarity and love with the inmates at the Correctional Centre during this yuletide season.

Hon. Akingbaso was accompanied by the Ondo State Comptroller of Correctional Centre, Mr Jude Agboje, DCC Oyewole C.A., ASC Akinsowon Abiola “Danbaba” and his close Aides where he worshipped with the inmates at the worship centre built by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Addressing the inmates at the Church Auditorium, Rep Akingbaso promised to provide legal assistances for inmates that are in need of such assistance.

He advised them not to see their present predicament as the end of life, saying life is a phrase which they would soon overcome, asking them to be good ambassador of the country once they are out of the four walls of the Prison.

His words on the Pulpit:” God is always ready to forgive those who repent, you should be ready to turn a new leaf and be part of the new Nigeria that all of us could be proud of. Crime will only lead you to destruction and the earlier you run away from crime that will keep you in Prison”.

While inspecting the facilities at the Correctional Centre which includes ICT Centre, Skill Acquisition Centre among others, the Management of the Prison solicited for legal aid for some inmates who are rotten in the facilities due to lack of legal representation.

The Federal Lawmaker promised to set its machinery in motion to see that innocent among the inmates don’t suffer unnecessarily while those who are serving their sentences could be reintegrated back into the society better.

In his remark shortly after the church service, the State Comproller, Mr. Jude Agboje commended the kind gesture of the federal lawmaker for not only visit the facility but with a promise of assisting inmates that need legal services.

According to him, ‘ With my number of years at the Correctional Facilities, I have never seen such a kindhearted gesture of such dimension from any individual. While other politicians will prefer spending their holiday abroad, you decided to spend time with inmates, share gifts, give advise and give them hope of better tomorrow after Prison”.

Speaking on behalf of the inmates, one them described Hon. Akingbaso as God sent to change their orientation with his few minutes of exhortation and advise to many of his colleagues who have loss hope.

Meanwhile, bags of rice, cash and gifts were made available to deserving inmates and management of the Correctional Centre.