By Adebisi Adeyemi Lagos
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has pardoned 60 prison inmates in various persons across the state to mark his 60th birthday.
Amosun made the announcement yesterday and said the pardoned inmates will be drawn from prisons in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro and Abeokuta.
The governor, who turned 60 years yesterday, was speaking at the Ibara, Abeokuta prison, where he visited as part of activities to mark his birthday.
Stating that his gesture was not in any way condoning crime, he said in the spirit of the celebration, “I am exploring the power of prerogative of mercy to set some prisoners free.”
He frowned at the congestion of prisons across the state, adding that “it means we still have a lot to do where our justice dispensation system in the country is concerned.”
The governor assured that his government would not only work towards decongesting the prisons but also introduce vocational skills training for inmates to prepare them for a better life outside prison.
Part of programmes for the birthday was also the Uplift the aged programmed, organised by wife of the Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunso Amosun, where food items and relief materials were handed to the elderly, just as free medical check up was conducted for them.
At the event, held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Mrs. Amosun appreciated the elderly for their prayers and support at all times.
According to her, “the Uplift the Aged initiative, is a way to give back to the community and bless our senior citizens.”
The League of Imams had earlier held a prayer session at the personal residence of the Governor in Ibara, Abeokuta.
