In a bid to support the justice system and enhance inmate welfare, Trinity House Church, Lagos, has donated a brand new 30-seater coaster bus worth N30 million to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The donation, which aims to address the centre’s longstanding challenge of transporting inmates to and from court, was made as part of activities marking the birthday celebration of the church’s Senior Pastor, Ituah Ighodalo.
During a brief but symbolic handover ceremony held at the correctional facility, Pastor Ighodalo emphasized that the initiative reflects the church’s commitment to social responsibility and its dedication to societal reform. He stressed that faith-based organisations have a vital role to play in supporting government institutions and promoting the welfare of the less privileged, including those behind bars.
“This donation is part of our effort to strengthen the collaboration between spiritual institutions and government bodies. We believe that while churches must offer spiritual guidance, they should also contribute meaningfully to national development,” Ighodalo stated. “Despite the hurdles encountered in the process, we were determined to fulfill the promise we made during our previous visit to the centre.”
He added that the gesture was inspired by a desire to bring dignity, support, and a sense of humanity to correctional services, particularly for inmates whose access to timely court appearances can affect the pace of justice and their eventual rehabilitation.
Receiving the bus on behalf of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, Julius Ogueri, expressed profound appreciation to the church. He described the donation as both timely and impactful, highlighting the difficulties the centre often faces in ensuring inmates are transported safely and promptly to court.
“This bus will go a long way in solving a critical logistical problem. It will not only aid the movement of inmates but also enhance the entire justice delivery process. We are deeply grateful to Trinity House and Pastor Ighodalo for their generosity and continued support,” Ogueri said.
The intervention by Trinity House Church underscores the importance of public-private partnerships and the role of religious institutions in nation-building. The gesture has been widely commended as a step in the right direction, offering a model for other faith-based bodies to emulate in supporting criminal justice reforms and reintegration efforts.