Interior Minister Seeks Rotary Club’s Support for Inmate Rehabilitation and Reintegration

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called on Rotary Club International and other humanitarian organizations to deepen their support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-inmates from correctional centers across Nigeria.

The minister made the appeal at the 10th anniversary celebration and investiture ceremony of the Rotary Club of Abuja Lugbe-FHA Estate, held in Abuja. Represented by Mr. Amos Ayodele Akemulewa, Tunji-Ojo expressed appreciation for Rotary’s long-standing support to Nigeria’s correctional system—particularly in the areas of education, vocational training, and prison decongestion.

“I would not do justice if I did not send our gratitude to Rotary Club worldwide,” said Akemulewa. “We found that there is a partnership between the Rotary Club and the Ministry, especially for those people who are in the correctional centers across the country.

“We are having a lot of services and support from the Rotary Club, especially in the aspect of vocational training for our inmates, educational training for our inmates, and also in prison decongestion by paying fines and providing legal services for those who are on awaiting trial.”

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized prison decongestion and criminal justice reforms, urging Rotary and similar organizations to complement these efforts.

“We ask you to do more, especially in the administration of the criminal justice system, and in the rehabilitation of inmates who are living in our correctional centers,” Akemulewa said. “Gratitude is a sign of official favor, so we encourage you to give more.”

He further stressed that the ministry is now looking “beyond the walls” of correctional facilities, urging continued collaboration to ensure successful reintegration of ex-inmates into society.

During the event, the new President of the Rotary Club, Tunmise Adepoju, unveiled ten community-focused projects for the coming year. These include the adoption of a primary school and the provision of scholarships to orphans.

“We have set out to give scholarships to orphans in Darsing Primary School so that a lot of them that are out of school can come back to school,” Adepoju said. “We are also going to empower the youth in our community for the next one year by giving them skill acquisition.”

He pledged to build on the achievements of previous leaders, particularly in maternal and child health. “Rotary is a continuity,” he added. “We are going to take it back from where she [the former leader] stopped.”

Immediate past president, Adeyemi Joy, described the anniversary as a celebration of “a decade of service, fellowship, sacrifice, and impact.” She reflected on the club’s growth in strength and vision, recounting key humanitarian projects under her tenure.

She highlighted interventions such as healthcare outreach in Soka, where the club treated malaria and typhoid, supported maternal health, and responded to critical cases like that of a newborn with a septic umbilical cord.

She also recalled the impact of a solar-powered water system installed in the same community. “That day the water came out, everybody was so happy. You see those teenagers coming out with their water containers, fetching fresh, drinkable water. Even without electricity, that water system continues to serve them,” she said.

Looking ahead, Joy pledged full support for the new president’s plans to enhance the water project with modern facilities and extend healthcare services, including polio vaccinations and hepatitis testing for children under five.

Andy Philip, Chairman of the Investiture Committee, noted that Rotary International—made up of 1.4 million members worldwide—remains committed to filling development gaps. He added that District 9127, which covers most of Northern Nigeria, continues to execute impactful projects where government resources are stretched.

“As we celebrate our tenth anniversary, we are also showcasing the ten projects our new president intends to carry out before June next year,” Philip said. “We have invited families and friends to support us in raising funds to make these projects a reality.”