CHUKA UBAH
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State has been widely praised for its humanitarian intervention after facilitating the release of 10 inmates languishing at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
The gesture, led by the State President, Chief Linus Igbudu, has been described by community leaders and stakeholders as a shining example of love, compassion, and commitment to the welfare of Ndigbo, especially those facing hardship.
The Apex Igbo organization visited the Correctional Centre and paid the fines for minor offences that had kept the victims inside the facility for several months. Many of the released persons, according to Ohanaeze, were victims of circumstances who were arrested, remanded, and forgotten without anyone to bail them.
Beyond securing their freedom, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos went further by presenting the 10 released inmates with gift items including bags of food, clothes, provisions, and cash support to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Speaking after the release, Chief Linus Igbudu expressed gratitude to the officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service at Kirikiri and to the Lagos State Government for granting approval for the release. He clarified that the initiative was not to encourage crime, but to give a second chance to those who made mistakes and had no one to speak for them.
“This is about humanity and our Igbo spirit of ‘Onye aghala nwanne ya’ — that no brother should be left behind,” Chief Igbudu said. “Some of these young men have stayed here for months over minor issues. We thank God that today, they can breathe fresh air and start afresh.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest leader, Chief Everest Ozonweke, Onowu, who was also present, commended the Lagos chapter for the bold step. He praised the initiative as one that reflects the true values of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as the umbrella body of Igbo people worldwide.
“This is what Ohanaeze stands for — unity, love, and lifting our people,” Chief Ozonweke said. “I urge the released brothers to turn a new leaf, avoid the circumstances that led them here, and become better citizens. Ohanaeze will continue to stand with our people in times of trouble.”
Also speaking, Prince Ubochi, a prominent member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, told the beneficiaries that the members made personal sacrifices to ensure their release. He assured them that the organization will follow up with rehabilitation support to help them start life again.
“Ohanaeze members showed you love and compassion today,” Prince Ubochi said. “This is not just about paying fines. It is about giving hope. Do not return to crime. Make us proud and make Ndigbo proud.”
The intervention has drawn wide commendation across Lagos and beyond, with many describing it as one of the most compassionate outreach programmes by Ohanaeze in recent times. Stakeholders noted that by combining legal assistance with material support, Ohanaeze has demonstrated leadership that goes beyond politics to touch real lives.
Members of the Lagos executive were also praised for mobilizing resources quickly and working in unity to achieve the release. Community members said the action has restored faith in Ohanaeze as a people-focused organization that cares about the downtrodden.
The 10 freed inmates expressed deep appreciation to Ohanaeze Ndigbo and promised to be of good behavior. They described the organization as “saviours” who gave them a second chance at life.
As the released men walked out of Kirikiri with their support packages, it was a moment of joy and gratitude — a clear reminder that when leaders choose compassion over indifference, communities are strengthened.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos said it will continue to monitor the progress of the released persons and provide further support to ensure they are successfully reintegrated.