Reintegrate, Don’t Stigmatize: Lions Club Urges Support For Osun Children In Correctional Centre, Donates Essentials

By Tosin Olasunkanmi Osogbo

The Lions Club International has called on government and society to ensure that young people leaving correctional centers are properly reintegrated and not stigmatized, stressing that they can become productive citizens if given the right support.

Speaking during a youth-focused outreach at the Juvenile Correctional Centre, Osogbo, where household essentials were donated, service leaders of the Igbajo Achievers Lions Club and their counterparts urged the government to provide free education, vocational opportunities, and post-release monitoring for children in correctional homes to prevent relapse into delinquency.

“The community should not discriminate against them when they return. They have taken correction and deserve a second chance,” said Lion Oluseyi Kayode Fanira, Service Chairperson of the Club.

“If the government can put follow-up structures in place and give them access to education, we believe they will live meaningful lives and contribute positively to society.”

The visit, held as part of Lions Clubs International’s August service activity themed “Youth Engagement”, featured donations of essential items including clippers, brooms, slippers, mops, detergents, disinfectants, and bathing soap to the correctional home.

Lion Yinka Diamond Ishola, Charter President of Igbajo Lion’s Club, explained that the choice of the center was deliberate, as it provides correction and guidance to children who had fallen into delinquency.

“They are the leaders of tomorrow, and this is a molding period for them. Our leaders have spoken to them, encouraging them to see beyond their current situation,” he said.

Lion Sunday Olumo Akere, First Vice District Governor of Lions District 404B2 Nigeria, added that society must see the correctional stage as a process of molding, not condemnation.

He cited international role models who overcame early challenges to become global icons, urging the children to hold on to hope.

The Club emphasized that humanitarian service should complement government’s efforts in managing correctional institutions, while urging authorities to create conducive environments where children in such facilities can learn, reform, and prepare for reintegration.

The outreach was part of a global initiative marking Youth Day, with Lions Clubs worldwide engaging in activities that target youth development and empowerment.