The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) on Tuesday donated food items and other relief materials to Ikoyi Prison inmates as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Adeoye Fadeyibi, said the gesture was geared toward identifying with the inmates and also a little way of contributing to the environment where EKEDC does business.

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

According to him, the company, which is known for its humanitarian initiative, empowers and provides succour to the less privileged and the vulnerable.

“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 building and also ensure prompt support to the inmates in terms of medicine and other needs.

He urged the authority of Ikoyi prisons to also reach out to the company in case of their needs that could help the inmates’ well being and development.

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

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

“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 explained that hat the prison which had a capacity of 800 now has over 3,012 inmates, saying, it was too congested.

According to him, a total number of 3,012 inmates, 2,532 are awaiting trial, while 479 have sentenced.

“The rooms are over-crowded, we have over 150 inmates occupying a room.

“I appeal to the 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 conform to societal norms.

He said that the prison had over 70 inmates writing the GCE, 5 at the National Open University (Noun) while one is on PhD.

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

The items handed over to the prison authority by EKEDC include bags of rice, detergents, toothbrush, toothpaste, detergents, among others which run into thousands of naira.

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