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FG To Collaborate With Dream Again Foundation On Inmate’s Transformation

Published

2 years ago

December 19, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has expressed the readiness of his Ministry to collaborate with Dream Again Prison and Youth Foundation to meaningfully impact the lives of young inmates in the Correctional Centres in Nigeria.

Mr. Olawande made this known during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Foundation in his office at Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

The Minister, who described the foundation initiator as a gift to humanity, stated that most youths lack engagement. He therefore emphasized the need for the government and youth to work together to lead the youths aright.

While referring to the attitude of people to inmates in the correctional centres, Olawande said that everyone has a destiny, and no individual can be described as entirely bad.

*”Every life is a storyline. Stories can be realities when God is in charge. Unlock your mind and live your dream. If you do that, you won’t be hindered by what people say or do to you.”* He added.

The Minister, reminiscing about his life, noted that the goals of the foundation are similar to his theme in life, which is to put the people first. *”My dreams might be outside the prison, but I am also ready to take the dream to the prison if need be.”* He added.

Speaking further, Mr. Olawande commended the zeal, efforts, and volume of achievements by the Foundation and reassured them of his readiness to collaborate with them.

Earlier, the team lead and founder of the organisation Mr. Bashiru Adamu explained that the foundation originated from his community development service during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Otukpo, Benue State.

He further said that the aim of the foundation is to equip young inmates with skills that will contribute to their productivity and success upon reintegration into society.

Mr. Adamu announced that the foundation has expanded its reach to six prison locations across Nigeria, including Lagos Abuja and Kaduna. He disclosed that his organisation had set up libraries and classrooms to empower youth in correctional centres who, according to him, constitute approximately 95% of the incarcerated population nationwide.

Recounting the foundation’s success stories, Mr. Bashiru cited the case of an inmate who sat for his SSCE and had his first degree while in the correctional centre. He disclosed that the inmate who is currently undergoing his masters degree programme has written a book with six hundred copies already printed and scheduled to be launched by the foundation next year.

Also speaking, a beneficiary of the foundation and former inmate, Mr. Akpoo Thomas Ogah shared his transformative journey, crediting Mr. Bashir and the Dream Again Foundation for changing his life through skill acquisition.

He informed the Minister that after he regained his freedom, he successfully launched his business and even participated in the prestigious National Expo 2020, where he represented Benue State and earned recognition from the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture.

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Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy

Published

15 hours ago

October 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.

He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.

“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.

“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.

Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.

On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.

“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.

International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”

Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.

“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.

With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.

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