The Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation has secured the release of 5 inmates from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State to mark its 2022 Founder's Day.

The Program Director of the Foundation, Shedrack Okah, who spoke to the press shortly after the release of the inmates on Sunday, 14th August 2022, noted that the gesture was part of the Foundation's legacy project to mark the founder's birthday.

According to Okah, the founder's humanitarian service to inmates stems from her childhood experience where someone close to her was wrongly accused and had to spend some days behind bars.

"Our founder, Amb. Sara Abdul is passionate about the welfare of inmates and prison reforms, hence the reason behind the establishment of Shamies foundation, which has been tasked with a mandate to cater to the welfare of inmates, rehabilitation and reintegration.

While responding, the Assistant Controller of Corrections, Ali Dayyabu Ali commended the Foundation's efforts. He also encouraged other NGOs to emulate what the organization was doing to meet the bail conditions of inmates with minor offenses and the general welfare in the correctional centers as the government cannot do it alone.

He further stated that although the government was providing education to the inmates, as several are now degree holders, while others are undergoing vocational training in tailoring, shoe making, and others, collaborative partnerships with other NGOs will be a welcome development.

The released inmates, who could not hide their excitement, expressed their profound gratitude to the Foundation for their benevolence in fulfilling their bail conditions.

The Founders Day is a yearly programme designed to mark the birthday of Amb. Sara Abdul on 12th August every year with the release of inmates who will be trained, empowered, and equipped with the skills needed to help them survive and thrive in the outside world.