Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said his government willcontinue to create sustainable pathways for empowerment and reintegration for inmates of custodial centres after their release.
The governor said this would be done through deliberate interventions in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and psychosocial support to the inmates of the correctional centres.
He stated this during the 2025 Correctional Inmates Exhibition and Graduation Ceremony of Zone A Command comprising Lagos and Ogun, held at the Kirikiri Maximum Custodial Centre.
A total of 150 inmates graduated in trades such as carpentry, shoemaking, tailoring, electrical installation, barbing, hairdressing, catering, welding works, pure water production, air freshner/insecticides production, and several others. They were issued Trade Test Certificates by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity
The 2025 inmates exhibition themed: “Reformed for Impact” combined education and skills acquisition to promote self employment and reduce reliance on paper qualifications, among others.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Hon. Sunmi Lanre Odesanya, stated: “Our ultimate goal is to replace cycles of crime and despair with those of hope, productivity, and impact. “Many of our reformed citizens are already making their families and Lagos proud”, he stated.
The governor also assured the graduates of the centre of a better future.
“To the graduates, I say your journey of transformation has only just begun. The skills you have gained are not just tools for survival but instruments of impact. Step into the society with confidence, knowing that Lagos State believes in you and that the world is waiting for your light to shine.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu recounted tne words of James Schoolcraft Sherman, the 27th Vice President of the United States, who once said: “You cannot go back and make a brand new start, but you can start today and make a brand new ending.”
He said: ” I pray that each of you will write a better ending to your story, by God’s grace. Let me assure you that the Lagos State Government will continue to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to build a safe, inclusive, and prosperous Lagos where no one is left behind.”
The governor also reiterated “the welfare and future of all Lagosians, including those within correctional facilities, remain at the heart of our administration. Through the Plus in our THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda, we have reaffirmed our commitment to gender equality, social inclusion, and youth empowerment.”
The governor, through Dawn’s Special Assistant, Hon, Sunmi Odesanya, commended the leadership of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and its partners for creating opportunities for “our brothers and sisters” in custody to rediscover themselves through skills acquisition, moral reorientation, and empowerment initiatives.
The Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, in his address, charged the inmates to use the skills acquired to define their future, not their past.
“Live out the meaning of the theme, “Reformed for Impact” by using what you have learned to positively touch lives and build a better future for yourself, your family and the society.”
Nwakuche described the skills acquired by the inmates as “practical, marketable skills that open doors for legitimate livelihood, and enable successful re-entry into society as productive citizens.
“This is in line with the spirit of NCoS Act 2019 which emphasises the shift from punitive to correctional philosophy in penal management.
“Through skill acquisition and formal education, we are steadily reducing recidivism, fostering reconciliation between inmates and their families, and proving that rehabilitation is both a possibility and a reality”, he said.
The Controller General of the NCoS remarked that the theme of the graduation ceremony perfectly captures the essence of the event, which he said was to show that “custodial centres can and do produce individuals who are transformed, equipped, and ready to make a positive difference in society.
“The purpose of this programme is to give visibility to the empowerment and educational initiatives we have sustained across our facilities. These programmes are not simply about training hands; they are about shaping minds, restoring confidence, and creating opportunities for a new beginning”, Nwakuche further stressed.
He acknowledged President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose unwavering support and vision for a modern correctional system, he said, have provided the enabling environment for the programmes to thrive.
The CG, NCoS also appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose steadfast leadership and policy direction, he noted have translated the vision into concrete action.
“His dedication to correctional transformation ensures that our service receives the resources, oversight and encouragement necessary to achieve the results”, he said.
He acknowledged that Dr Tunji-Ojo’s steadfast leadership and policy direction have translated this graduating inmates adding that they have used the period of incarceration not as a setback, but as a platform for growth and have embraced learning, discipline, and hard work.
He also commended the efforts of the initiator /coordinator of the event, the Zonal Public Relations Officer of Alagbon Command, Superintendent of Correction (SC) Nsikan Blessing for her industry and published books, including “Activate Your potential; Principles of Giving; Reasons To Pray For Leaders; Why I am In Prison: and “Stars Behind Bars”, copies of which the author presented to him.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone II, Fayoade Adegoke in his remark acknowledged that the inmates found themselves in the custodial centres following police investigations and subsequent orders and judgments of the courts.
“The custodial centres are living up to their names by correcting the attitudes brought here by the inmates and making them better persons”, he noted.
He urged the inmates to take advantage of the reformation and skills acquisition programmes being offered by the custodial centres to prepare them for integration and acceptance by the society on completion of their terms.
Brigadier General Mathew Oyekola, who represented the Garrison Officer Commanding 81 Division, shared the views of the AIG Zone II, saying that whenever the military arrest criminals, they are handed over to the police for necessary investigation and prosecution,
“I always have my men outside keeping watch, I have never been inside. But today, I am happy that you have given me the permission and opportunity to see the inside and wonderful things that you are doing with the inmates inside this place”, he said.
Earlier in a welcome address, Assistant Controller General of Corrections (ACG) Ope Fatinikun remarked that the exhibition showcases the talents and skills of the inmates, highlighted their potentials for rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.
ACG Fatinikun said that the exhibition also serves as a testament to the power of second chance and the human spirit’s capacity for growth and transformation.
“As we celebrate the creativity and achievements of our inmates, we also acknowledge the complexities and challenges that lie ahead.
“We recognize that rehabilitation is a journey, nit a destination, and we are committed to providing our inmates with the support and resources they need to thrive”, he said.
He therefore urged all “to engage the inmates, learn from their experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration and support” adding, “together we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. So after they are corrected, you can look at them to come back into the society.”
He expressed appreciation to the Controller General and all his able management team, saying, “what I have seen here today is actually beyond my expectation and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have a good time here. I appreciate the fact that wonderful things are happening here within the four walls that we see so high.”
SC Nsikan Blessing, who is also the Initiator/Coordinator of the exhibition programme, in a preface, remarked that reformation is a collective responsibility in view of the fact that “inmates are from our communities and will return to the communities as neighbours, friends, business associates or even future spouses. Our collective joy lies in seeing inmates pass through the Reform System and reintegrate into the society as law abiding and contributing members.
“As correctional officers, we take pride in changing the lives of the inmates and seeing ex-inmates contributing to the nation’s peace and growth”, she said even as she expressed pride that her pet project which is spreading to other custodial centres and cottage industries, has now been adopted as a zonal programme earning accolades.
