EKEDC donates relief materials to Ikoyi Prison inmates

The Management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, has donated food items and other relief materials to Ikoyi Prison inmates, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR.

Our Energy Correspondent, National, reports that the company’s management also reiterated its commitment and support towards humanity through its CSR initiatives.

EKEDC’s Executive Officer, Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi, reiterated the commitment during the management's courtesy visit to Ikoyi Prison in Lagos, said the gesture was geared towards identifying with the inmates.

Fadeyibi, represented by the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Joseph Esenwa, said the company would continue to support Ikoyi Prison to ensure conducive atmosphere for the inmates.

“In line with our vision, I have come here to let the inmates know that we are not giving up on them, and that they have a bright future ahead outside of this place. Whatever happens, they are still Nigerians, and needed to know that EKEDC cares for them and being made happy. They still have a lot to contribute to the society irrespective of their present circumstances,” he said.

Fadeyibi assured that the company would assist the prison in renovating some of the buildings experiencing decay and also ensure prompt support to the inmates in terms of medicine and other needs.

He urged the authority of Ikoyi prisons to reach out to the company on assistance that could help the inmates’ well-being and development.

The EKEDC boss said the company would continue to ensure stable power supply to the premises, as part of its obligations.

In his remarks, the Deputy Controller of Prisons, DCP. Ogunshakin Ajiboye, who received the items on behalf of the inmates, commended the company’s gesture.

Ajiboye, urged other Nigerians of goodwill and NGOs to emulate the kind gesture, to complement government’s efforts in taking care of prisoners.

He said that the rate of crime in the country was alarming and urged parents to be the first to teach their wards at home and be more guided.

“The welfare of prisoners is of paramount importance to government and every effort by organisations and kind hearted individuals, will assist greatly in achieving that aim”, he noted.

He explained that the prison which had a capacity of 800 was having over 2,937 inmates, saying, 'it was too congested'.

According to him, a total number of 2,937 inmates, 2,444 are awaiting trial, while 493 were sentenced.

 “The rooms are overcrowded, we have between 120 to 150 inmates occupying a room. I appeal to the Lagos State Government to always turn minor cases to community services or little fines, than sentence which adds to the congestion,” he said.

Ajiboye said that some inmates had learnt so much from the prison which had reformed their characters and attitude to confirm to societal norms.

He said that the prison had over 80 inmates writing the GCE, over 57 sat for JAMB and scored over 180 in the exam, while some inmates were studying at the National Open University (NOUN).

Ajiboye appealed to corporate organisations and NGOs to assist in providing external teachers that would teach the inmates which had been a challenge for the inmates.

"Science teachers has been a major challenge to the inmates, we urged corporate organisations and NGOs to assist in that direction”, he added.

He also appealed to Eko Disco to assist the prison on prompt electricity supply.

The items handed over to the Prison authority by EKEDC during the Ramadan season includes - Diesel Supply, Energy saver bulbs, Bags of Rice, Bags of Garri, Groundnut oil, Packs of bottle water.

Others are packs of soft drinks, cartons of insecticide, toiletries and beverages, amongst other items such as rice, detergents, toothbrush, toothpaste and detergents.

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