In an effort aimed at improving living conditions for inmates, a non-governmental organization, Anchor Heritage Initiative, has commissioned a borehole for the use of occupants of Ilesa Medium Custodial Centre in Osun State.
The NGO constructed the borehole with the support of Bible Movers International Ministries, Texas, USA.
The borehole has been providing sustainable access to clean water within the prison facility and therefore enhancing the welfare and well-being of the inmates.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by representatives from both organizations, as well as officials from the prison administration and select inmates.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Moses Solomon, a representative of Bible Movers International Ministries, expressed the organization’s commitment to social welfare projects that positively impact communities, stating that, “access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and we are honoured to collaborate with Anchor Heritage to make this a reality for the inmates at Ilesa prison.”
He added, “The motive is the love for humanity and the command of Christ to go to the world and make disciples. In winning people to Christ, you can’t do that by talking alone – you also need to show them the love of Christ.
“We believe that everyone deserves a chance to turn their life around and that everyone can be redeemed through Christ. We have seen the power of redemption firsthand, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it”
Similarly, Mr. Bidemi Oladipupo, the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Anchor Heritage, emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility and the organization’s dedication to supporting initiatives that promote social development.
He said, “As a responsible corporate citizen, Anchor Heritage recognizes the significance of investing in projects that contribute to the well-being of society. We are proud to partner with Bible Movers in this noble endeavour.”
“The Anchor Heritage is an organization based in Lagos, Nigeria, but working in prisons throughout the South-West and North Central regions, including Kwara and Kogi. The purpose of the initiative is to improve the welfare of inmates and change the narratives. We believe that the government cannot do this alone, so we have been working on this project for 7 years now. Our goal is to help humanity and show the inmates some love, so that when they return to society, they will be better people. The initiative is centered on providing basic necessities.”
While speaking, the Prison Custodian, Aremu Adegboyega, who represented the Controller of Osun State Command, Tolu Ogunsakin, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Anchor Heritage Initiative and Bible Movers for their collaboration on the project.
He acknowledged Anchor Heritage, especially Oladipupo and also credited him for introducing them to Bible Movers, highlighting the significance of his involvement in bringing Bible Movers to the Elisha Koseya Center.
He said, “I want to thank Anchor Heritage, particularly Mr. Abidemi, whom we have known for some years, is from Lagos, without him, I wouldn’t have known about Bible Movers. So, I want to thank him for bringing Bible Movers into Elisha Koseya Center,”
The impact of the borehole project on the inmates’ lives was evident during interviews conducted with several inmates.
They were filled with happiness and said, “we have hope for a better future.”
An inmate of the centre expressed gratitude for the provision of clean water, saying, “Having access to clean water is a luxury for us here. This borehole will not only improve our hygiene but also enhance our overall living conditions.”
Another inmate appreciated the effort, highlighting the transformative effect of the initiative on the prison community.
He said, “The commissioning of this borehole gives us hope for a better future. It shows that society hasn’t forgotten about us and that we are worthy of dignified living conditions.”
