LAGOS GOVERNMENT EMPOWERS REHABILITEES FOR SUCCESSFUL REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY
Read Time:3 Minute, 21 Second
By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering rehabilitated young adults and creating opportunities for their successful reintegration into society, urging communities, families, and stakeholders to embrace them with acceptance, support and compassion.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende gave the assurance at a One-Day Sensitisation Meeting for About-to-be-Released and Released Young Adults, and Rehabilitees of Lagos State Institutional Care Centres held at the Ikeja Youth Centre. The programme, themed “Successful Reintegration into Society: Challenges and Opportunities,” was organised by the Human Integration Unit of the Ministry.
Addressing participants, the Commissioner described the programme as another demonstration of the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to building a compassionate, inclusive, and resilient society where every young person is empowered to realise their full potential, regardless of past experiences.
He commended social welfare professionals, counsellors, development partners, security agencies, community leaders, faith-based organisations, and other stakeholders whose dedication continues to restore hope and provide vulnerable members of society with a second chance.
According to the Commissioner, successful reintegration extends beyond leaving an institutional care centre, describing it as a deliberate process of rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, strengthening family ties, rekindling hope and empowering individuals to become responsible, productive and self-reliant members of society.
While acknowledging challenges such as stigma, discrimination, unemployment, limited educational opportunities, emotional trauma, broken family relationships, and inadequate support systems, Ogunlende stressed that such obstacles should never define anyone’s future. He noted that every challenge presents an opportunity for transformation through education, vocational and digital skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and continuous personal development.
He reiterated that the Ministry would continue to strengthen rehabilitation programmes, psychosocial support services, vocational and entrepreneurial training, youth empowerment initiatives, and aftercare services aimed at preparing Rehabilitees for independent living and successful community Reintegration.
Speaking directly to the young adults and rehabilitation clients, the Commissioner encouraged them to believe in themselves, remain disciplined, embrace learning, develop valuable skills, and surround themselves with positive influences. He reminded them that their past experiences do not determine their future and urged them to seize the opportunities available to build meaningful and successful lives.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, who was represented at the programme by the Director, Social Welfare, Mrs. Olubukayo Odukoya, welcomed participants to the sensitisation programme, describing it as a reflection of the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting social inclusion, rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration of vulnerable persons into society.
The Permanent Secretary noted that reintegration is a transformative process requiring determination, resilience, discipline, and positive life choices. She encouraged the about-to-be-released and released young adults to actively participate in the programme by learning from the resource persons, sharing their experiences, and equipping themselves with practical knowledge that would prepare them for responsible and productive living.
She also appreciated the Ministry’s resource persons, members of staff and stakeholders for their continued collaboration in advancing rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives, expressing optimism that the programme would broaden participants’ perspectives, strengthen their confidence and serve as a catalyst for positive change.
One of the highlights of the programme was a thought-provoking presentation by the facilitator, Ambassador Joseph Adewole, who spoke on the theme, “Successful Reintegration into Society: Opportunities and Challenges.” During his presentation, he described reintegration as a deliberate process of rebuilding lives and not merely returning to society.
He further encouraged participants to let go of their past, embrace positive values, focus on becoming better individuals, and take advantage of available opportunities to build a brighter future.
Ambassador Adewole also underscored the vital role of families and communities in welcoming rehabilitees with acceptance, encouragement, and support, stressing that such collective responsibility is essential for sustainable reintegration and lasting social inclusion.
The sensitisation meeting featured interactive sessions focused on equipping participants with practical life skills, mentorship, counselling, and guidance necessary for their successful transition into society.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0