By Jeleel Olawale
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, visited Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the federal capital territory to kickstart his 8th annual coronation anniversary.
Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria was on an official duty in the F.C.T. when he decided to visit inmates at the facility for a programme organised by Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI) under his Chairmanship to motivate those who are often ignored by the society.
Addressing the inmates and prison officials after being welcomed into the facility by officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ooni Ogunwusi who was flanked by his Queen & Deputy Convener of Hopes Alive Initiative, HAI, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, explained that the best part of human life is the one spent to serve others particularly the poor and vulnerable individuals.
“We should always remember that God created all of us and that is the God of second chances. We have seen it in this country from prison to presidency, right from prison all the way to becoming the president of this country.
“So, do not write off yourselves, whatever the situation you might have found yourselves here, remember that there is a God of second chances.
“I am here to tell you that there is life after here. It does not end here and that is why you all must see this current phase of your life as a learning stage for the lessons with which you will live for life after here.
“I have not come here to tell you that it is not difficult but I am here to tell you that it is possible for you all to be better and be amongst the best members of the larger Nigerian society when you eventually leave here,” Ooni said.
After considering cases of some inmates, five of them were freed after fulfilling all requirements, including payment of bail/fines through the assistance of the HAI, with a promise to keep an eye on them and also empowering them in the trade they learned while in the Correctional Centre.
Another event earmarked for the Ooni Ogunwusi’s coronation anniversary is the Staff Appreciation Night during which all staff members (Traditional and Official) working with His Imperial Majesty will be honoured and gifted series of items including cars for the best performing ones.
Speaking on the fake news which has gone viral, Ooni noted that the Palace is not unaware of false, malicious and misleading reportage particularly by some unprofessional bloggers and armchair journalists about the event which does not tally with the event or any of its realities.
“These purveyors of fake news who are bent on blackmailing top personalities for income (Online traffic), prominence or whatever reasons predetermined by them wrote nonsense from the figment of their imagination and got it circulated by armchair (lazy) journalists with no regard for principles, laws and ethics of the prestigious pen profession.”
The Ooni’s Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI) has in the last five years engaged in charity work which aims to give hope to the hopeless and vulnerable members of the society. Ooni Ogunwusi through the NGO has donated befitting homes to the orphanage and destitute, water borehole facilities to several market’s across the South West in Nigeria, educational materials to several schools in the country.