In a remarkable act of compassion, eight inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Center, Lagos, regained their freedom after author, banker, and pastor Bayo Adeyinka paid their fines as part of a prison outreach to commemorate his 50th birthday.
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| Fourth from left, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ikoyi, Julius Ogueri; fifth from left, Author, Banker, and Pastor, Bayo Adeyinka (@Greaterbayo); flanked by family, friends and officers of the custodial center during a prison outreach facilitated by Adeyinka in commemoration of his 50th birthday recently. |
At a brief event held at the correctional center’s Catholic chapel on Saturday, March 29, 2024, Adeyinka, popularly known as "Greater Bayo" online, addressed a gathering of inmates, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) officials, friends, and family, explaining that the outreach was inspired by the biblical principle of freedom.
“According to the Bible, every 50th year is known as the ‘Year of Jubilee,’ which signifies freedom. It is, therefore, my honor to facilitate the release of eight of our brothers today by paying their fines in commemoration of my 50th birthday. I recently launched two books, and I pledged that all proceeds from book sales, as well as gifts and donations from my birthday celebration, would go toward this project,” Adeyinka stated.
Beyond securing the inmates’ release, Adeyinka donated essential medical supplies—including antibiotics, anti-malarial drugs, painkillers, blood boosters, and syringes—to the facility’s clinic. He also provided sanitary pads for 268 female inmates at the Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre, ensuring they had enough supplies for the rest of the year.
The gesture was met with heartfelt gratitude from both inmates and correctional officers. Before departing, Adeyinka encouraged the freed individuals to stay away from crime and "pay the kindness forward." He also gave each of them ₦20,000 to cover transportation costs as they returned home.
The outreach underscores Adeyinka’s commitment to social impact, blending faith, philanthropy, and practical support to uplift those in need.
