ILE-IFE CORRECTIONAL CENTRE HOSTS MAIDEN WALIMATUL QUR’AN CEREMONY FOR INMATES, HONOURS DISTINGUISHED DIGNITARIES
The Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has held its maiden Walimatul Qur’an Ceremony for inmates, celebrating faith, spiritual growth and the reformation of persons in custody.
The ceremony featured eight inmates who successfully completed their Qur’anic recitation programme, marking a significant milestone in the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to the spiritual and moral development of inmates.
The Controller of Corrections, Osun State Command, Olalekan Rotimi Oluwadele, MNIM, fdc, poc, was represented at the event by the Chaplain, SC OA Talabi. In his address, the Controller commended the Officer-in-Charge and the officers and men of the Centre for their dedication and commitment to the successful organisation of the programme.
He also appreciated the faith-based organisations partnering with the Command in its reformation and rehabilitation efforts, particularly the Muslim community and the Ile-Ife Muslim Inmates Supporters (IMIS), for their invaluable contributions. He further conveyed the greetings of the Controller-General of Corrections, CG Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, pcc, to the gathering.
In his welcome address, the Officer-in-Charge of MSCC Ile-Ife, ACC Olawuyi Winner E., PSC+, expressed appreciation to the Controller of Corrections, officers and men of the Centre, chaplains, faith-based organisations, invited guests and the graduating inmates for their contributions to the success of the ceremony. He particularly acknowledged IMIS for its outstanding support in bringing the historic event to fruition.
He noted that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, represents a significant shift from a traditionally punitive system to one focused on reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration. He specifically referenced Section 10(g) of the Act, which mandates collaboration with religious organisations and faith-based groups to address the spiritual needs of inmates.
Highlights of the programme included Qur’anic recitations by the eight graduating inmates, an Islamic lecture delivered by Dr. Abdulwahab Salahudeen Olayiwola, a sermon, goodwill messages from dignitaries, the turbaning of the graduands, and the presentation of certificates and honorary awards to deserving individuals in recognition of their contributions and support. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by one of the graduating inmates.
The maiden Walimatul Qur’an ceremony marks an important step towards promoting spiritual enlightenment, moral discipline, positive character development and responsible living among inmates. It also reinforces the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to a holistic correctional system that prepares persons in custody for successful reintegration into society.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, Osun State Command, expressed its appreciation to the Muslim community, faith-based organisations, particularly IMIS, and all stakeholders for their continued partnership and support. The Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaborations that advance the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
