Roland Iwuchukwu
In a remarkable act of compassion, eight inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Center, Lagos, regained their freedom after author, banker, and pastor, Bayo Adeyinka paid their fines as part of a prison outreach to commemorate his 50th birthday.
At a brief event held at the correctional center’s, catholic chapel on Saturday, 29 March 2024, Adeyinka, popularly known as “Greater Bayo” online, told a crowd of inmates, Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) officials, friends and family, that the outreach was borne out of the need to facilitate freedom of inmates in line with biblical injunctions.
“According to the bible, every 50th year is known as the “Year of Jubilee” which means freedom. It is therefore my honour to be able to facilitate the freedom of eight of our brothers here today through the payment of fines in commemoration of my 50th birthday anniversary. I recently launched two books and I pledged that all the proceeds from the book sales as well as gifts and donations at my birthday celebration will go towards this project”, explained Bayo Adeyinka who goes by the name Greater Bayo on online media platforms.
Beyond securing the inmates’ release, Adeyinka donated essential medical supplies—including antibiotics, anti-malarial drugs, painkillers, blood boosters, and syringes—to the facility’s clinic. He also provided sanitary pads for 268 female inmates at the Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre, ensuring they had enough supplies for the rest of the year.
The gesture drew heartfelt gratitude from both inmates and correctional officers. Before departing, Adeyinka urged the freed individuals to avoid crime and “pay the kindness forward.” He also gave each of them ₦20,000 to cover transportation costs as they returned home.
The outreach underscores Adeyinka’s commitment to social impact, blending faith, philanthropy, and practical support to uplift those in need.