The Rock Foundation and Adino Partners Limited have unveiled an entrepreneurship centre known as Rock Tailoring Institute to empower inmates at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos, with entrepreneurial skills to help them contribute to economic development
Speaking at the commissioning of the institute, the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, said the project at the correctional service was aimed at empowering the inmates to bring about transformation to their lives even while they are serving their sentences.
He said the tailoring institute is a partnership between The Rock Foundation, which is owned by the church, and Adino Partners Limited and that its vision is on empowerment and societal reintegration.
He added that the centre would equip the inmates with tangible skills and inspire them to become agents of change in their communities.
The clergy said the establishment of the tailoring institute within the prison was a testament to the belief that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is in a position to bring about positive change.
“As these men and women learn to craft garments, they are simultaneously stitching together the fabric of their lives and weaving a new narrative of triumph over adversity.
“Through the art of tailoring, we offer not just a skill, but a means to rebuild lives, restore self-esteem, and foster a sense of purpose. We recognise that true rehabilitation extends beyond confinement and this initiative paves the way for a brighter and more hopeful future for those who have made mistakes but now seek redemption,” he said.
According to Adefarasin, the project will help the inmates to learn new trades, earn some income and contribute to the rehabilitation of other inmates.
Equipment in the facility includes Emel industrial and computerised straight sewing machines, butterfly manual and zigzag machines, U20 machines for embroidery designs, cover stitch/tapping machines for specialised sewing like polo making, overlock machines, weaving machines, industrial hemming machines, suit and shirt buttonhole machines, giant cutting machine and mini cutter.
Adefarasin said the project would go a long way in charting a new path for the inmates as well as helping them to positively impact their families, communities and the country.
The representative of Adino Partners, Alex Anyim, reiterated the firm’s commitment to education, skill development and rehabilitation as well as its unwavering support, shared dedication and partnership with the church.
He said this partnership symbolises the possibilities that arise when like-minded organisations come together with a shared purpose.
Responding, the Deputy Controller of Correction, Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Ogueri Julius, commended the church for its support to the correctional centres, saying: “This is a way of encouraging the inmates as well as trying to lessen the burden of imprisonment. We thank the pastor and church members for bringing this initiative to the prison yards. I encourage other religious bodies to emulate the church,” he said.
POST AUTHOR: Guardian Nigeria
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