Adeleke’s CoS empowers ex-inmates with POS machines, cash
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, has empowered some of the pardoned inmates released by the state government last year with Point-of-Sale (POS) machines and cash capital.
The beneficiaries, who were among the inmates pardoned and released by the state government last year, also supported Governor Adeleke’s re-election campaign by taking the campaign to streets, markets and communities across the state, mobilising and canvassing votes for his second-term bid.
In recognition of their efforts, sacrifices and loyalty, Akinleye presented the beneficiaries with POS machines and cash capital to enable them to establish and commence small businesses.
He said the empowerment was aimed at giving the beneficiaries a fresh start, helping them become economically independent and discouraging a return to circumstances that could jeopardise their reintegration into society, rather than merely offering temporary assistance.
“The gesture provides them with practical tools to earn a legitimate livelihood and contribute positively to their communities. A team will monitor their progress over the next three to 24 months,” he said.
Akinleye said the intervention underscored the importance of giving people who had received a second chance the opportunity to rebuild their lives, adding that their transition from incarceration to productive economic activity reflected the broader principle that rehabilitation should be accompanied by empowerment and opportunities for self-reliance.
The chief of staff added that the empowerment was not only a reward for their contribution to Adeleke’s second-term victory but also a practical demonstration of the Adeleke administration’s commitment to rehabilitation, human capital development, empowerment and inclusive governance.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as an opportunity to begin a new chapter of their lives with dignity and hope.
