By Ruth Adebayo
The First Lady of Kwara State, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, on Friday donated food items and toiletries to inmates at the Ilorin Custodial Centre, Okekura, and the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Mandala, as part of efforts to spread compassion during the festive season.
Represented by the Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Nnafatima Imam, the Kwara First Lady said the gesture was aimed at fostering a sense of togetherness, love, and support to enable inmates and staff enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations.
She pledged continued support to correctional centres in the state and encouraged inmates to embrace reformation, noting that the centres were designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society.
The Controller of Corrections, Kwara State Command, Emmanuel Olohunshagba, commended the First Lady of Kwara State for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of inmates and correctional staff.
ACC Omole Olumuyiwa, Officer-in-Charge of Okekura Centre, described the consistent support of the Kwara First Lady as transformative, adding that it would strengthen efforts toward a more humane and secure society.
At the Mandala Custodial Centre, ACC Olaniran Adeniran also expressed appreciation and called for more interventions in vocational training, security, solar lighting, and water supply to foster positive change and successful reintegration.
Some of the items donated included rice, beans, garri, spaghetti, vegetable oil, eggs, and toiletries, amongst others.
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Joseph Joy thanked the Kwara First Lady and the state government for remembering them.
“The training and reforms we’ve received have shaped our lives for the better,” she said, pleading for government amnesty.
Another inmate, Adebisi Adesakin, praised the First Lady of Kwara State, saying her continued visits reflect genuine care. “There’s nothing like freedom, we seek amnesty for our release,” he said.
