Trinity House Church has donated a coaster bus to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos to ease transportation challenges for inmates’ movement to and from court.
Presenting the bus worth N30 million to the Deputy Controller of Corrections and Officer in-charge of Ikoyi Correctional Centre, DCC Julius Ogueri, Senior Pastor of the church, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, said the donation was aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing inmate welfare, as well as part of his birthday celebration with those often forgotten by society.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between faith-based organizations and government institutions to create a supportive environment for rehabilitation.
He explained that initially, providing the coaster bus was challenging, but noted that “after overcoming these challenges, the church successfully gathered resources and made the donation.”
Trinity House Church appreciates the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ikoyi Correctional Center’s management for their efforts in rehabilitation.
“Our gesture promotes collaboration between faith-based organizations and government institutions. We believe spiritual bodies should support government initiatives while offering constructive feedback. By working together, we can encourage positive change and create a better world.”
While pledging the church’s continued support to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, as well as others across the country, he commended the Officer in Charge of Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Ighodalo, commended DCC Julius Ogueri, describing him as a dedicated officer for his exceptional work.
“He is passionate about his role and refers to inmates as ‘students,’ highlighting their potential for growth and rehabilitation. This approach aligns with the government’s intention behind the correctional center: to provide a space for individuals to learn, reform, and reintegrate into society.
Mr. Ogueri’s commitment to rehabilitation is truly commendable,” he stated.”
Receiving the coaster bus from Pastor Ighodalo, the overjoyed officer in charge, Ogueri, described the gesture as apt and one that aligned with the Controller General of Corrections’ mandate to partner with non-governmental organizations, churches, and philanthropists to complement government efforts.
He recalled that Ighodalo had promised to provide the center with the bus during his visit to the facility last year to celebrate his birthday with the students.’
Initially, there were reportedly speculations that the church had given Ogueri the money for the bus, but he had misappropriated it. But the fulfilled promise, according to him, had vindicated him from the false allegations.
Ogueri appreciated the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, for encouraging innovative thinking among his team. He also thanked the Assistant Controller General in charge of Zone A, ACG Ope Fatinnikun, and the Lagos State Controller of Corrections, George Daramola, for their supervisory roles and contributions to the Ikoyi Correctional Center’s success.
He noted that the donation would facilitate the transportation of students to court, thereby expediting their release process.
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