Deji Bakare express advocates prison reform, wins institutional support

Stanley Ihedigbo

President of the Association of Models NGO Express Nigeria, Mr. Deji Bakare, paid an official visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service Headquarters, Zone 1, Ikoyi, Lagos State, as part of ongoing fundraising and advocacy efforts for the Hope Beyond the Walls Project.

The delegation, led by Mr. Deji Bakare, who is also Mr. Nigeria and President of the Association of Models, was at the headquarters to strengthen partnerships, raise awareness and seek institutional support for the humanitarian initiative aimed at restoring dignity, hope and opportunities to persons within correctional facilities.

The Deji Bakare Express team was warmly received by the Assistant Controller General (ACG), Mr. Jude Agboji, alongside the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC). During the engagement, the correctional authorities expressed appreciation for the initiative and commended Deji Bakare Express for its compassion, vision and commitment to social impact.

In his remarks, the Assistant Controller General formally endorsed the Hope Beyond the Walls Project and assured the delegation of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s full support.

He further disclosed that the project would be escalated to higher authorities, including a formal briefing to the Honourable Minister of Interior and the Minister of State, with a view to securing broader governmental collaboration.

The ACG emphasized that initiatives such as Hope Beyond the Walls are critical to rehabilitation, reintegration and fostering positive public engagement with correctional institutions.

He applauded Deji Bakare Express for extending hope beyond prison walls and for leveraging its platform to advocate meaningful change within the correctional system.

Responding, Mr. Deji Bakare expressed profound gratitude to the management of the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for the warm reception, endorsement and encouragement.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Deji Bakare Express and the Association of Models to sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the project.

The visit marks a significant milestone for the Hope Beyond the Walls Project, as it continued to build strategic partnerships aimed at uplifting lives, transforming narratives and promoting rehabilitation within Nigeria’s correctional system.