Prison Fellowship USA seeks partnership with Association of Models Nigeria to reform correctional centres

Michael Olumide

President, Association of Models Nigeria, Deji Bakare, popularly known as Mr. Nigeria, has received the Senior Director of Correctional Programs, Prison Fellowship USA, Dr. David Olatubosun Alabi, on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration to improve Nigeria’s correctional system.

The visit followed Dr. Alabi’s official engagement in Abuja, where he toured the Abuja Correctional Centre as part of ongoing efforts to assess prison conditions and explore sustainable reform initiatives.

After the Abuja assessment, Dr. Alabi proceeded to Lagos to engage with key stakeholders, including the Association of Models Nigeria, to deepen partnerships focused on rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

During the meeting, both leaders exchanged ideas and outlined strategic plans on how to scale up the “Hope Beyond Walls” initiative, a programme designed to restore dignity, purpose, and opportunity to inmates within correctional facilities.

Dr. Alabi reaffirmed Prison Fellowship USA’s commitment to partnering with the Association of Models Nigeria, describing the organization as a credible NGO capable of adding meaningful value to correctional reform efforts in Nigeria.

He emphasized that Prison Fellowship’s mission is centered on restoring hope to incarcerated individuals through structured rehabilitation, capacity building, and reintegration programmes.

He also disclosed plans to support inmates’ transformation initiatives while strengthening the capacity of correctional centre personnel. According to him, ongoing efforts are underway to train correctional warders, equipping them with the professional skills, ethical mindset, and humane approach required to make correctional facilities safer, more dignified, and more effective across the country.

Dr. Alabi further revealed his intention to mobilize additional international and local partners to support prison reform, address systemic challenges, and reduce prison-related crises through sustainable and long-term solutions.

Speaking on the visit, Deji Bakare (Mr. Nigeria) expressed appreciation for the collaboration and commended Prison Fellowship USA for its unwavering commitment to prison reform.

He reaffirmed the Association of Models Nigeria’s dedication to advocacy, rehabilitation programmes, and strategic partnerships that promote positive transformation within Nigeria’s correctional centres.

He noted that true reform goes beyond incarceration and must focus on restoring human dignity, empowering inmates with life-changing skills, and ensuring successful reintegration into society.

The courtesy visit marks a significant milestone in international collaboration for prison reform and underscores a shared vision between Prison Fellowship USA and the Association of Models Nigeria to transform correctional centres into institutions of hope, growth, and reintegration.