Banner Online News

WARRI, Delta State — Fifteen inmates of the Warri Correctional Centre have regained their freedom following an intervention by the suspended Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, in partnership with non-governmental organisation, FOOSTODEY.

The beneficiaries were released on Monday, August 24, 2026, after FOOSTODEY, through its “UKODO NA TẸVWẸ” welfare initiative, settled court-imposed fines running into millions of naira on behalf of inmates who had been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment with options of fines.

The beneficiaries, drawn from different local government areas of Delta State, had remained in custody because they were unable to raise the money required to secure their release.

Izeze reportedly encountered more than 20 inmates in that situation during his time at the correctional centre and subsequently drew FOOSTODEY’s attention to their plight.

Following the intervention, the organisation paid the outstanding fines of 15 inmates, paving the way for their release after the completion of the necessary correctional and administrative procedures.

Speaking after the release, Tisha Ejekanshe Matthew, ACA, Special Assistant on Community Relations, said the intervention was about more than settling financial obligations.

Matthew, who spoke on behalf of FOOSTODEY and Izeze, said the initiative was aimed at restoring hope, dignity and the opportunity for the beneficiaries to reconnect with their families.

He said the intervention demonstrated the impact that targeted humanitarian assistance could have on vulnerable members of society, adding that the beneficiaries had been given a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

The freed inmates expressed gratitude to FOOSTODEY and Izeze for coming to their aid, saying their release had enabled them to reunite with their families and begin a new chapter of their lives.

They specifically commended Izeze for drawing attention to their circumstances and also expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for what they described as its people-oriented disposition and concern for citizens’ welfare.

The beneficiaries said their period in custody had provided ample opportunity for reflection on their actions and the consequences of wrong choices.

They pledged to remain law-abiding and responsible citizens, promising to use their freedom to rebuild their lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The release also brought considerable relief to the families of the beneficiaries, who were able to welcome their loved ones home after the relevant legal and administrative requirements had been fulfilled.

In a further show of support, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mass Mobilisation, Pastor Vincent Udume Odogbor, provided transport logistics for the released inmates to enable them to return safely to their respective communities.

The gesture ensured that the intervention extended beyond securing their release to providing practical assistance for their return home.

The development underscores the role individuals, civil-society organisations and other stakeholders can play in supporting vulnerable persons and providing practical humanitarian assistance.

Through the “UKODO NA TẸVWẸ” initiative, FOOSTODEY has provided the 15 beneficiaries with an opportunity to leave the correctional facility, reunite with their families and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

For the beneficiaries, Monday’s release marked the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of a new one, with a renewed commitment to living responsibly and within the law.