On Saturday March 29, 2025, I visited Ikoyi Correctional Centre along with my wife, daughter and some colleagues. I had reached out to Ikoyi Correctional Centre (former Ikoyi Prisons) in the build up to my 50th birthday. The major consideration was if there were inmates who had options of fines that could be paid so they could be free. 

In biblical Israel, the 50th year was a Jubilee—a time of debt forgiveness, freedom for slaves, and restoration of lost property to the original owners. So, freedom for inmates was paramount on my mind.

However, during our discussions with the authorities, we found out there were a litany of needs. After careful consideration, I decided to focus on three key projects:

1. Payment of fines for eight inmates (initially seven, but one more was added) at a total cost of N3,940,000.

2. Purchase of sanitary pads for 268 female inmates at the Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre—10 packs per inmate to last 10 months—at a cost of N3,216,000.. 

3. Procurement of essential medications, including antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, syringes, painkillers, and routine blood boosters, at a cost of N6,232,000.

The total cost of these projects came to N13,388,000.

At my birthday event on Saturday, March 22, 2025, I announced that all gifts and donations I received would be channeled to meeting these identified needs. I also donated the proceeds of my book launch on that day to this initiative. 

I am glad to announce that we have paid the fines for eight inmates and also donated all the items listed heretofore.

During a short ceremony at the Catholic Chapel inside Ikoyi Correctional Centre, we interfaced with the inmates who were about to regain their freedom. It was an emotional moment for all of us. When I was given an opportunity to address them, I counselled them to stay away from crime. 

I also gave the freed inmates N20,000 each as transport fare to their destination.

Listening to the songs of worship inside the Correctional Centre chapel was so surreal. The inmates who came to celebrate with those freed sang from their hearts. 

There was joy in the atmosphere. One of the freed inmates gave the vote of thanks. His delivery, though short, accurately depicts what a vote of thanks should be. 

I recall when I made the payment of fines during the week, I got a call from one of the wardens that a name was omitted and he pleaded so passionately that the inmate’s name should be included. 

I told him that his intervention reminded me of Jesus who left the 99 sheep to look for the one that was lost. With men like him, we have hope. 

The video pic.twitter.com/qp53TfkF7s

— Bayo Adeyinka (@greaterbayo) March 31, 2025

I want to sincerely appreciate my colleagues who took out time to work with me on this project. I want to also appreciate everyone who gave their resources during my birthday and also bought the two books I launched. 

My gratitude also goes to the Deputy Controller of Ikoyi Correctional Centre and his men. During my visit, I saw firsthand what it means to be passionate about one’s job. Their dedication goes beyond the norm.

As I reflect on this experience, I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:34-36:

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me,I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was homeless and you gave me a room,I was shivering and you gave me clothes,I was sick and you stopped to visit,I was in prison and you came to me.’

May we always look for ways to extend kindness, bring hope, and uplift those in need. This was more than just a birthday celebration—it was a reminder that true joy comes from service and making a difference in the lives of others.