The Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation has held the first ever correctional concert in Nigeria as part of activities to mark its 2021 Founder’s Day.
The event which held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kuje, FCT-Abuja on Sunday, 15th August 2021 not only impacted the lives of over 1000 inmates at the correctional centre, but it also featured health talks, medical check-ups, donation of relief materials, mattresses, food items and toiletries among others.
While addressing the press shortly after the presentation of the relief items to the inmates, the Executive Director and Founder of the foundation, Amb. Sara Abdul noted that the rationale behind the concert is not just to mark her birthday in the prison which has become a tradition for the foundation, but to restore hope to the inmates, many of whom have been in prison for so long and are gradually slipping into depression.
“Since the inception of this foundation, we have made it a point to always take the Founder’s Day, which happens to be my birthday to the four walls of the prisons. Many of these prisoners have stayed so long in the prison and we feel it’s time to show them love.” she said.
Sara who also noted that lack of jobs in Nigeria contributes largely to the crime rate in the country urged the government to do all within its power to ensure that the youths are gainfully employed.
In his response, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge or of Kuje Medium Correctional Center: DCC Gabriel Agada noted that the donations by the Shamies foundation was a complimentary effort to what the government was doing to better the welfare of inmates in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
While commending the efforts of the foundation, he stated that the donated materials will be judiciously utilised to better the welfare of the inmates in the correctional facility.
Thereafter, the inmates were treated to close to two hours of entertainment by notable Nigerian artistes like Faze and Styl Plus. Abuja based comedians, MC Papi and Nick B were also on ground to make them laugh and lighten their mood.
The third edition in its series, the Founder’s Day is an annual event in the Shamies Foundation’s calendar which is aimed at showcasing the life of the Founder, Amb. Sara Abdul, her philosophy, and her ideology.
An NGO whose vision it is to see a society where crime is less attractive (dignity of ex-convict restored) and ex-convicts becomes part of a sustainable solutions to peace and security, the Shamies Foundation which was established in 2018 has touched the lives of over 10,000 inmates across several correctional facilities in major cities in Nigeria.
