The Oyo State command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has urged inmates in custodial centres to let religion take deeper root in their character to achieve desired reformation.

The officer in charge of Agodi Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibadan, Akadiri David, gave the advice on Tuesday at the Inmate Public Speaking Competition organised by the centre and the Muslim community.

The theme of the competition was “What Plays a Greater Role in Persons’ Incarceration: Divine Degree or Human Choice.”

He said the importance and usefulness of religion in promoting peace within communities and associations can never be overlooked, adding that it played a vital role in reforming human character.

Mr David urged inmates to change certain mindsets and orientations they might have developed over time to a divine degree.

He said, though a divine degree might exist, the choice for fulfilling that destiny lies in one’s hands, adding that no one has a bad destiny decreed by God.

“If we do not allow religion to take deep root in us and pray very well, we may not achieve the level of reformation we desire.

“As correctional officers, when we talk about reformation, I believe a significant part of that work lies in the role of religion.

“When a person embraces the teachings of God and begins to live by them, those values can also influence whatever destiny God might have destined for any individual,” he said.

Mr David further called on youths to be mindful of the peer group they follow so they can be influenced positively and follow the right path.

Speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, Lateef Adisa said the programme was organised to positively impact and educate the inmates on the choices they make in life.

The competition was keenly contested among the inmates, with one group supporting the motion on divine degree while another group spoke on human choice.

 (NAN)