A day at Ikoyi Correctional Centre -by Bayo Adeyinka
On Saturday March 29, 2025, I visited Ikoyi Correctional Centre along with my wife, daughter and some colleagues. I had reached out to Ikoyi Correctional Centre (former Ikoyi Prisons) in the build up to my 50th birthday.
The major consideration was whether there were inmates who had options of fines that could be paid so they could be free. In biblical Israel, every 50th year was a jubilee where people were released from their debts, freedom for all slaves and returning property to those who owned it.
So freedom for inmates was paramount on my mind. However, we found out there was a litany of needs, and after due consideration, I settled for 3 major projects, viz:
(1.) Payment of fines for 8 inmates (initially 7 inmates but one more was added) at a total cost of N3,940,000.
(2.) Purchase of sanitary pads for 268 female inmates @ 10 packs per inmate so it can last for 10 months at a cost of N3,216,000. The female inmates are at Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre.
(3.) Medication to cover antibiotics, anti-malaria, syringes, painkillers, antibiotics and routine blood boosters at a cost of N6,232,000. Total is N13,388,000.
I am glad to announce that we have paid the fines for 8 inmates and also donated all the items listed heretofore.
During a short ceremony at the Catholic Chapel inside Ikoyi Prison, it was an emotional moment for all of us when we interfaced with the inmates who were about to regain their freedom. When I was allowed to address them, I counselled them to stay away from crime.
I also gave the freed inmates N20,000 each as transport fare to their destination. Listening to the songs of worship inside the Correctional Centre chapel was so surreal. The inmates who came to celebrate with those freed sang from their hearts.
There was joy in the atmosphere. One of the freed inmates gave the vote of thanks. His delivery, though short, accurately depicts what a vote of thanks should be.
I recall when I made the payment of fines during the week, I got a call from one of the Wardens that a name was omitted, and he pleaded so passionately that the inmate’s name should be included.
I told him yesterday that his intervention reminded me of Jesus, who left the 99 sheep to look for the one that was lost. With men like him, we have hope.
I want to sincerely appreciate my colleagues who took out time to work with me on this project. I also want to appreciate everyone who gave their resources during my birthday, and also bought the 2 books I launched.
My gratitude also goes to the Deputy Controller of Ikoyi Prisons and his men. I saw firsthand during my visit yesterday what it means to be passionate about one’s job. Their dedication goes beyond the norm.
Mat 25: 34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’
