Some former inmates pardoned by the Osun State Government have received Point-of-Sale (POS) machines and cash capital from the Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, to enable them to start small businesses.
The empowerment, according to the organisers, is aimed at helping the beneficiaries achieve economic independence and successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
The beneficiaries were among inmates granted pardon by the state government last year.
They later participated voluntarily in the mobilisation and campaign activities for Governor Adeleke’s re-election during the 2026 governorship election, taking the campaign message to streets, markets and communities across the state.
In recognition of their efforts, sacrifices and commitment, Akinleye provided them with POS machines and financial support to enable them to establish businesses and earn legitimate livelihoods.
A monitoring team has also been constituted to follow up on the beneficiaries and assess their progress over a period of between three and 24 months.
Speaking on the initiative, Akinleye said the intervention was intended to ensure that the beneficiaries were given more than just a pardon.
He said, “Giving someone a second chance must also come with an opportunity to rebuild. We want these beneficiaries to become self-reliant, productive and responsible members of society.”
The Chief of Staff added that economic empowerment was essential to ensuring that those who had been given another opportunity did not return to situations that could threaten their reintegration.
According to him, the initiative was also consistent with the administration’s commitment to human capital development and inclusive governance.
One of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as a turning point in his life.
“This support means a lot to us. We have been given another opportunity to rebuild our lives, and we will not take it for granted,” the beneficiary said.
The initiative is expected to provide the beneficiaries with sustainable means of livelihood while enabling them to contribute positively to their families and communities.
The programme underscores the belief that rehabilitation is more effective when former inmates are supported with skills, capital and opportunities to become economically independent.
For the beneficiaries, the journey from pardon to empowerment marks a new beginning and an opportunity to rewrite their stories.
