By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Dallatun Gobir Foundation for Orphans and Vulnerable Persons has secured the release of 200 inmates from correctional facilities in Sokoto State after paying fines and debts amounting to N4.5 million, as part of a humanitarian initiative to support vulnerable members of society.

The intervention, spearheaded by the Foundation’s Patron, Alhaji Hassan Shatima, has been hailed as a significant contribution to decongesting correctional centres and giving a fresh start to inmates incarcerated over minor offences and unpaid fines.

Many of the beneficiaries had completed their jail terms but remained in custody because they could not pay court-imposed fines. Their release was made possible through the foundation’s financial intervention.

In addition to securing the inmates’ freedom, the foundation donated medical support worth N8 million to indigent patients receiving treatment in several hospitals across Sokoto State.

The outreach covered the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Specialist Hospital Sokoto, NOMA Hospital Sokoto and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kware.

During the visits, the foundation provided financial assistance and medical support to patients who were unable to afford prescribed medications and other treatment-related expenses.

Speaking after the hospital visits, Shatima said the intervention reflected the foundation’s commitment to easing the burden on vulnerable groups, including orphans, widows, patients and inmates.

“This gesture is not a one-time event. It is a continuous process aimed at assisting those who are in need and bringing relief to families facing economic and social challenges,” he said.

Shatima observed that many inmates across the country remain behind bars, not because of serious crimes, but because they lack the financial means to pay relatively small court-imposed fines.

He called on wealthy Nigerians, corporate organisations, philanthropists and charitable groups to complement government efforts by supporting the release of inmates detained over minor offences and unpaid fines.

“There are many less privileged persons still languishing in correctional centres because they cannot afford to pay modest fines or settle debts. These are people who deserve a second chance to reunite with their families and contribute positively to society,” he said.

He also urged corporate organisations to include inmate rehabilitation and healthcare support in their corporate social responsibility programmes, describing such interventions as investments in social stability and national development.

Beneficiaries, including former inmates and hospital patients, expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the intervention as life-changing.

Community leaders and other stakeholders who witnessed the exercise commended the foundation for its compassion and commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens, noting that the initiative highlights the growing role of private philanthropy in complementing government efforts to strengthen social welfare across Nigeria.