The Mushin-born and bred,  Ajewole Odunayo Emmanuel, the 2022 winner of Mr. Nigeria International, has unveiled his new NGO, 'Making A Difference' (MAD), focused on correctional centre reforms in Nigeria. The grand unveiling ceremony was held on April 27 at Fish Farm, Ogudu, Lagos, and witnessed the presence of high-profile personalities from various fields of life, including civil service, entertainment, and more.

Ajewole's tenure as Mr. Nigeria International had come to an end, and he had used his platform to champion the cause of prison reform. He believes that the inhumane conditions in which inmates are kept in Nigeria's correctional facilities need urgent attention, and his NGO seeks to address the issue.

Ajewole stated that his interest in prison reforms started when he visited a prison during his undergraduate years in the company of a friend who had gone to visit a relative serving time there. He was moved by the deplorable state of the inmates held there and was inspired to make a difference. As Mr. Nigeria International, he used his platform to raise awareness about prison conditions and advocated for reforms.

The launch of MAD was a celebration of Ajewole's accomplishments as Mr. Nigeria International and an opportunity to honour distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. The event was attended by prominent figures such as Hon. Yinka Kazeem Esho, J'odie, Yomi Fabiyi, and Engr. Dr. Funmi Ayinke Waheed-Adekojo Md/Ceo Funmi Ayinke Nigeria Limited, among others.

The Office of Mr. Nigeria's special recognition awards were given to several individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields. Hon. Oluwatoyin Moses Fayinka, a member of the House of Representatives representing Mushin Federal Constituency II, received the Top Performer award. Hon. Yinka Kazeem Esho, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Mushin Constituency II, received the Tenacious Leader award. ENGR. DR. FUNMI AYINKE WAHEED-ADEKOJO, the MD/CEO of Funmi Ayinke Nigeria Limited, was recognized for Excellence and Exceptional Woman.

Other recipients of the special recognition awards include Abiola Alaba Peters, CEO editor of Zebra News, for Outstanding News Journalist; Shine Gabienu, MD/CEO of Shynebellz Photography, for Outstanding Photographer; Tunde Jakande, MD/CEO of LGNA International, for Excellent Reformer in Capacity & Human Development; Falana Owolabi, a board member of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, for Outstanding Youth Educationist; Lawal Babatunde, CEO of Minister Group of Company, for Peace & Youth Ambassador; Engr. Ogundimu Olusesan Adesanya, MD/CEO of Safegreen Engineering Services, for Outstanding Engineering Service Limited Company; Rasheeda Ajibade, Super Falcon and Atletico Madrid Forward, for Soccer Icon; Sogo Osikoya, Council Chairman of Mushin LGA, for Male Role Model in Public Service; Toyin Suarau, Council Treasurer of Mushin LGA, for Female Role Model in Public Service; Hon. Tunbosun Aruwe, Vice-Chairman of Mushin LGA, for Focus and Selfless Team Player; and Hon. Bamigboye Emmanuel, Executive Chairman of Mushin LGA, for Excellence in Leadership.

J'odie, the CEO of Chinua Foundation NGO, was recognized as the Most Charitable Entertainer, while Yomi Fabiyi, the CEO of Rocklaf Studio, was acknowledged for his Artfully Creative Film. Wale Samson, CEO of Tommywaleson Event Company, received the Production of the Year award.

Ajewole Odunayo Emmanuel's 'Making A Difference' NGO promises to keep making a significant impact on correctional centre reforms in Nigeria. Ajewole invites well-meaning Nigerians, and cooperate organizations to partner with the MAD initiative to achieve desired results.  It is expected to continue to make a difference in the lives of inmates, their families, and society at large.

For more information, visit the 'Making A Difference' (MAD) website at www.makingadifference.ng or follow their social media handles on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @makingadifference.ng.