Trinity House Church has donated a brand-new coaster bus worth N30 million to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos to improve the transport of inmates to and from court. The handover took place during a formal event at the correctional facility, where the Senior Pastor of the church, Ituah Ighodalo, presented the vehicle to the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Julius Ogueri.
Pastor Ighodalo explained that the donation was made to boost the centre’s efficiency and support the welfare of inmates. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between religious organizations and government agencies in helping inmates reintegrate into society. He acknowledged that the process of securing the bus had its challenges, but said the church stayed committed to its goal. He thanked the Federal Government and the management of the correctional centre for their continuous rehabilitation efforts.
The pastor praised Ogueri for treating inmates as individuals with potential, referring to them as “students” to reflect their ability to learn and grow. He said the officer’s approach fits the purpose of correctional centres, which is to encourage personal development and social reintegration.
DCC Ogueri, visibly pleased with the donation, expressed appreciation to Trinity House. He noted that the gift came at a critical time and aligned with the directive from the Controller General of Corrections encouraging partnerships with religious and non-governmental organizations. He recalled that Pastor Ighodalo had promised the donation during a past visit and expressed relief that the fulfilment of that promise had ended misleading rumours that the money had already been given and misused.
Ogueri called the donation a clear sign of integrity and a major step forward in improving court transport for inmates. He noted that better transport would help speed up legal proceedings and give inmates a greater chance at early release and rehabilitation.
He also thanked senior officials in the Nigerian Correctional Service, including Controller General Sylvester Nwakuche, Assistant Controller General of Zone A Ope Fatinnikun, and Lagos State Controller George Daramola, for their continued guidance and encouragement.
The newly donated bus is expected to reduce delays in court appearances, improve logistics, and support the wider goal of inmate reform.
