Driven by passion for mankind, the executive members of the Lagos chapter of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), in celebration of their first anniversary paid a visit to the female inmates of kirikiri correctional centre in Lagos on Saturday 7th September, 2024 to show them love, care and encouragement and to let them know that the Societies feel concerned about their plight.
Speaking at the event, Alhaja Memunat Ajao, President, NCWS, Lagos lamented that some of the inmates are in custody on flimsy cases like inability to settle house rents, wandering, domestic fights and other minors and bailable offences all of which have made it difficult for them to settle fines at the court, leading them to become inmates.
She, however, raises their hopes that what they are going through is just a phase in their lives, assuring them of the Societies’ readiness to help raise funds for their bails and fines which they couldn’t be met due to lack of money and also to help in the rehabilitation of inmates whose prison sentence have been completed but couldn’t reintegrate into the society due to stigmatization and neglect from the society.
According to her, “there is always light at the end of the tunnel, therefore, you must not lose hope, because the great redeemer shall smile on you one day”.
Lagos NCWS secretary, Mrs. Rebecca Pyne noted that their focus on visiting the female inmates was that women are care givers to men, children and the entire nation. She also urged all youths especially women to be law abiding and always stay out of troubles since nothing can be compared to freedom.
Reacting, one inmate who refused to disclose her identity expressed gratitude on behalf of her co-inmates, thanked NCWS saying “if other NGOs in Nigerian can be doing this, inmates would have little or no welfare challenge in the custodial facilities.”
The highlight of the carnival like event was donation of bathroom slippers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, medicated soaps, detergents, cookies and assorted foods among others.
Some other exco members that were also on hand are the first Vice-president, Mrs. Agnes Fasesin; Treasurer, Alhaja Bintu Oloko; Public relations officer, Mrs. Iyabo Oyayomi and Mrs. Ansa Uko among others.
