Empowerment
Halfway Home Restorative Justice Shelter Opens in Nasarawa
Restorative Justice for Africa opens a halfway home restorative justice shelter in Nasarawa for formerly incarcerated people to rebuild their lives
Restorative Justice for Africa has opened a halfway home restorative justice shelter in Nasarawa State to support formerly incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives.
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The newly launched facility, known as the Restored Voices Shelter, aims to address one of Nigeria’s most persistent criminal justice gaps: post-incarceration reintegration.
It was officially opened on 3 July 2025 in Ado, Karu Local Government Area, during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders across the justice sector.
According to REJA Executive Director Osariemen Omoruyi-Shobanke, the halfway home restorative justice initiative provides dignity and direction for ex-inmates, especially those unjustly detained or released with no place to return.
“Restorative Justice for Africa is excited to unveil the first-ever Halfway Home and transitional shelter for formerly incarcerated individuals in Nasarawa State,” she said.
“This groundbreaking initiative marks a major leap forward in reimagining justice in Nigeria, offering dignity, direction, and hope to formerly incarcerated persons who were unjustly detained or have no family or home to return to.”
The launch drew a significant turnout, including representatives of the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, officials from the Non-Custodial Directorate of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and leaders of several civil society organisations such as ROLAC, Prison Fellowship International, and Building Blocks for Peace Foundation.
Omoruyi-Shobanke said the shelter is designed as a transitional hub that bridges the reintegration gap plaguing Nigeria’s justice system.
With temporary housing, psychosocial services, vocational training, and life skills programmes, the shelter will function as a self-sustaining centre run by formerly incarcerated persons.
Let’s restore voices and rewrite futures together.
“For years, REJA has provided legal aid and restorative justice interventions. But in the course of that work, it became painfully clear that post-release support was missing. The Restored Voices Shelter is our answer to this problem; it is a safe, supportive space for transformation,” she explained.
A highlight of the launch was the introduction of a new Model Practice Direction on Restorative Justice for Nigerian Courts.
The directive outlines a standardised approach to restorative justice implementation across judicial systems and promotes community-driven resolutions and reintegration-focused sentencing.
The shelter also seeks to work closely with educational institutions such as Taraba State University and local colleges to provide training to future professionals in law and social services.
Its location within reach of justice system actors is expected to boost collaboration and innovation in rehabilitation.
Omoruyi-Shobanke encouraged partnerships from government, non-profits, and private individuals to sustain the initiative.
She reiterated REJA’s belief in healing and inclusion through restorative systems.
“The initiative is part of REJA’s broader mission to close the justice and inequality gap and reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system by tackling the root causes of injustice and repeat offending, particularly among indigent and wrongfully detained persons.
“If you believe in second chances, true justice, and healing through community, we invite you to partner with us. Let’s restore voices and rewrite futures together,” Omoruyi-Shobanke concluded.
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The Restored Voices Shelter is one of the first purpose-built halfway homes in Nigeria and is expected to become a model for other states working to transform justice through humane and inclusive reintegration efforts.
Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, also known as the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, a prominent educationist, entrepreneur and philanthropist with over fifty years of experience in Nigeria, formally launched the Association of Female Skilled Artisans Initiative Canada (AOFSAIC) at the Salvation Army Shelter in Brampton, Ontario, on May 16th, amidst community leaders and supporters like Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, Chief Victor Alonge, Queen Mother Delois Blakely, Queen Esther Ejim, Chief Jumoke Abegunde and a host of others.
During her address, Yeye Folashade emphasized that the Canadian branch was established to extend her efforts in fostering economic independence among African women globally. She highlighted that the initiative seeks to help women acquire valuable skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, and crafts, enabling them to achieve financial stability and independence.
At the event, HRH Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, underscored the critical importance of artisans to economic growth. He stated, “Artisans are the backbone of a thriving economy, and their contributions to the informal sector are essential for national development.” He further noted that empowering women through such initiatives not only amplifies their voice but also promotes inclusive growth.
In her speech, Yeye Folashade noted that the association is already active in Nigeria, with numerous branches across major cities. She stressed that establishing a Canadian chapter, particularly in Brampton; home to over 12,000 Nigerian immigrants, is vital for extending opportunities to more women seeking self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial success. She added that expanding into Canada aligns with Nigeria’s national shift from conventional employment towards a more dynamic, skills-based economy driven by immigrant entrepreneurs.
Yeye Afolashade’s academic background includes secondary education at Queen Elizabeth School in Ilorin, followed by studies at the Federal College of Education in Kano State. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education Management from Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University. She began her career in Nigeria’s educational sector, mentoring students who now occupy leadership roles in various institutions.
Her organization collaborates with Nigerian government agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), supplying safe and quality learning and play materials to schools nationwide.
Her numerous awards include distinctions from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Security Watch Africa. She has been conferred chieftaincy titles and honorary doctorates, acknowledging her significant contributions to education, humanitarian efforts, and community development.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Yeye Afolashade mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and supports philanthropy through scholarships and community projects. She advocates for the marginalized, empowering women and youth, and continues to champion women’s advancement in Nigeria. In 2023, she was appointed the National Matron of the Association of Female Artisans in Nigeria, further emphasizing her dedication to women’s empowerment and discipline.
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