House on the Rock Church has through its foundation, built and fully equipped The Rock Tailoring Institute at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos, to empower inmates with entrepreneurial skills.
The Metropolitan Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, said the project at the correctional service was aimed at skillfully empowering the inmates in different areas as a means of bringing about transformation of their lives even while they are serving their sentence.
He said the tailoring institute was a partnership between The Rock Foundation and Adino Partners Limited, with the vision of empowerment and societal reintegration, which would equip the inmates with tangible skills and also inspire them to become agents of change within their communities.
The senior pastor said the establishment of the tailoring institute within the prison was a testament to the belief that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, possesses the potential for change and growth.
“As these men and women learn to craft garments, they are simultaneously stitching together the fabric of their lives and weaving a new narrative of triumph over adversity.
“Through the art of tailoring, we offer not just a skill, but a means to rebuild lives, restore self-esteem, and foster a sense of purpose.
“We recognise that true rehabilitation extends beyond confinement and this initiative paves the way for a brighter and more hopeful future for those who have made mistakes but now seek redemption,” he said.
According to Adefarasin, the project would help the inmates learn new trade, earn some income and also contribute to the rehabilitation of other inmates.
The facility is fully equipped with machines which include, emel industrial and computerised straight sewing machines, butterfly manual and zigzag machines, U20 machines for embroidery designs, cover stitch/tapping machines for specialised sewing like polo making, overlock machines, weaving machines, industrial hemming machines, suit and shirt buttonhole machines, giant cutting machine and mini cutter.
Adefarasin said this would go a long way in charting a new path for the inmates going forward, as well as helping them to positively impact their families, communities and the nation at large.
He urged the inmates to seize the opportunity with open hearts and determined spirits to learn and create, while also remembering that their past does not define their future.
The representative of Adino Partners Limited, Mr. Alex Anyim, reiterated the firm’s commitment to education, skill development and rehabilitation as well as its unwavering support, shared dedication and partnership with the church.
He said the partnership symbolised the possibilities that arise when like-minded organisations come together with a shared purpose.
Responding, the Deputy Controller of Correction, Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Ogueri Julius, commended the church for its support to the correctional centres in the state to ensure the inmates are empowered to be better citizens.
“This is a way of encouraging the inmates as well as trying to lessen the burden of imprisonment. We thank the Pastor and Parishioners for bringing this initiative to the prison yards. I encourage other religious houses to emulate the church,” he said.
