Former Nigerian footballer, Joseph Yobo who visited the popular Ikoyi Prisons, has revealed that his foundation would work hard to release as many inmates awaiting trial at the prisons in Lagos.
Speaking on Saturday in Lagos, former captain of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo, who inaugurated the Ikoyi Prisons Football Academy, disclosed that the 'Joseph Yobo Foundation' will work to release as many inmates of Ikoyi Prisons as posible, especially those awaiting trial.
Joseph Yobo Foundation is collaborating with Sisters Cities Vocational/Rehabilitation Centre and the Nigerian Prisons Service in the latter’s football academy project, Football Stars Behind Bars.
According to News Agency of Nigeria reports, the legendary footballer said;
“I have never been to the prisons before but on getting to Ikoyi Prisons, I realised the need to give hope to someone. The Joseph Yobo Foundation is ready to do everything within its means to grant bail to as many as possible that are awaiting trial, especially those in the facility’s football academy.
“I am happy with what is going on in this facility. I have never been here before but when I got here, what I saw jolted me.
“I thought I would see persons looking very sad, rushing to go out but rather, I saw them very happy, cheerful and looking very hopeful.
“I must indeed commend the authorities of the Nigerian Prisons Service because from what I have seen on ground, the service is in the right track,” he said.
The Rivers State born defender said it was in this light that his foundation would seek to secure the bail for some of the inmates, train them and support them in the academy.
“We in our little way will want to give back to the society by giving hope to our brothers behind the bars and give them a second chance because no one is above mistake. Having stayed here for a while, I am convinced that they must have undergone a great deal of reformation and rehabilitation,” he said.
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