ACG  Fatinikun Pays Advocacy Visit to Akarigbo of Remoland, Seek Inmates Welfare Support | ClipTV Online

In a bid to enhance correctional reforms and seek traditional stakeholders’ support, Assistant Controller General (ACG) Opeyemi Fatinikun, in charge of Lagos and Ogun States, paid an advocacy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi CFR, Akarigbo of Remoland.

A Historic Visit

Expressing his surprise and appreciation, the Akarigbo stated that it was the first time a highly ranked Correctional Service officer had visited him in an official capacity.

“I often receive visits from Police Commissioners when they assume office in Ogun State, but this is the first time I am seeing a high-ranking officer from the Nigerian Correctional Service,” the monarch noted.

Highlighting Key Challenges

During the discussion, ACG Fatinikun outlined some of the pressing challenges facing correctional facilities in Ogun State.

The ACG mentioned that the facilities are faced with logistics difficulty. “Transporting inmates to court can sometimes be a challenge due to vehicular breakdown,” he said.

Another challenge is that of modern sporting amenities for inmates. Noting that this would help their brain reformation. Further noting that it enhance the inmates rehabilitation and makes integration to the society easier.

Lack of proper bedding: Fatinikun expressed that the Federal Government is faced with numerous and challenges and need support from corporate organizations and individuals. That due to over population and decades of non maintenence, the bedding in the facilities are worn out and need replacements.

He emphasized the urgent need for non-custodial sentencing for non-capital offenses. Also, ACG Opeyemi Fatinikun stated that the non-custodian sentence is part of the Correctional Service Act, 2019. He expressed concern that this part of the law is not effected, hence the reason for over population. He however highlighted importance of non-custodian term.

He noted that non-custodian will reduce overcrowding in correctional centers. It will likewise reduce the cost of feeding over four thousand inmates across Ogun State.

Furthermore, he stated, non-custodial will lower the risk of disease outbreaks among inmates. Also that it will enhance rehabilitation efforts through community-based punishments.

Akarigbo Pledges Support for Reform

Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, after listening to the ACG, acknowledged his lack of awareness regarding the challenges faced by correctional facilities. He appreciated ACG Fatinikun’s proactive approach in engaging traditional rulers on correctional reforms.

The Akarigbo pledged his support, stating that he would engage other traditional rulers to brainstorm and discuss solutions. He will further advocate with the state governor and attorney general for alternative sentencing options.

Lastly, the Akarigbo pledged to explore ways to provide local support for correctional facilities.

A Call for Collaboration

The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between correctional institutions and community leaders in finding sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s prison congestion problem.

ACG Fatinikun expressed gratitude for the warm reception and assured the monarch that the Correctional Service remains committed to rehabilitation, reintegration, and reform.