To improve Nigerian’s quality of life, the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR) recently awarded business seed grants to selected formerly incarcerated persons.

The grants were presented during CELSIR’s Development Forum. The initiative forms part of CELSIR’s broader approach to reintegration, recognising that successful reintegration does not end when a person leaves a correctional facility. It has been observed that returning citizens often face the difficult realities of rebuilding relationships, overcoming stigma, restoring trust and finding sustainable means of livelihood.

The business seed grants build on CELSIR’s Basic Entrepreneurship Programme (BEP), a one-month entrepreneurship training implemented in collaboration with ONE Foundation. It combined learning with practical sessions led by experienced professionals.

Participants were guided to identify problems within their communities and explore how those problems could be transformed into viable business opportunities.

For many participants, the experience opened up possibilities they had never previously considered.

The completion of the training was marked with the presentation of certificates to participants, while selected beneficiaries who submitted business proposals received seed grants following a review of their proposed businesses.

CELSIR Executive Director Joke Aladesanmi, noted that, “reintegration is not simply about coming home. It is about having the support, relationships, opportunities and confidence needed to rebuild a meaningful life.”

To her, ‘the seed grants therefore represent more than financial assistance. They are an investment in the ability of formerly incarcerated persons to become economically independent and active contributors to their communities.’

In conclusion, Aladesanmi stated, ‘CELSIR remains committed to creating pathways through which people affected by incarceration can rebuild their lives, restore their dignity and contribute meaningfully to society; one story, one opportunity and one new beginning at a time.’