Adebayo Adenrele
…Pays Courtesy Visit to Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ogunmoye
The Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere-Ekiti Branch, has partnered with the Ekiti State Correctional Service on Wednesday to improve inmates’ welfare.
The Committee Chairman, Iyanu Olumuagun, emphasized the importance of inmates’ rights, stating that this partnership and the courtesy visit will enable the committee to review inmates’ cases, particularly those without legal representation to ensure justice is served.
Olumuagun, who also serves as the branch’s Vice Chairman, reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to a continued collaboration with the correctional facility.
She added that the committee would join a 16-day campaign against Gender-Based Violence, part of a global effort to end violence against women and girls.
“This visit is also part of our move to look into the cases of those inmates without legal representation to ensure justice is served.
“Inmates also have the right to quality life and their rights must not be violated”. She added
Receiving the delegates, the Correctional Service Controller, ACC. Amele Olutope, hailed the committee for their efforts to improve inmates’ lives.
He noted several challenges faced by the facility, including a shortage of toiletries due to a rising population and the need for resources to support inmates enrolled in NECO exams.
He called for additional support from the branch and pledged the facility’s continued cooperation to promote inmates’ welfare.
The Branch Chairman, Temitope Kolawole explained that the partnership and visit were crucial to safeguarding the human rights of inmates.
This commitment was also reiterated by the Chairman Emeritus, Kike Owolabi, stating that the branch would expedite actions to improve inmates’ quality of life.
The General Manager of Fresh FM, Jide Ogunluyi, offered to assist the branch by connecting with philanthropists willing to support inmates’ welfare.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of over 100 books to help enhance inmates’ educational opportunities, sponsored by the CEO of Jehovah Jire Helping Hand Initiative, Olatunbosun Ibikunle.
The committee also paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, to offer condolences following the passing of former Chief Judge, Justice John Adeyeye.
They pledged their support for the new administration and assured Justice Ogunmoye of their commitment to its success.
In his response, Justice Ogunmoye commended the delegates for their diligence and the positive impact they have made in the community.
He pledged his continued partnership with the branch and encouraged them to strengthen the collaborative relationship between the judiciary and the NBA.