On August 15, a thousand inmates at the Kuje Prison Abuja will enjoy good music, humour and food to mark the birthday of the founder of the nongovernmental organisation Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation.

Serah Abdul, founder of the foundation, said the organisation would be partnering with some Nigerian celebrities in the concert that is themed ‘Keep Hope Alive’.

“On that day, August 15, which is my birthday, we will entertain them, give them food, drinks and make them happy, even if it is for a moment, it will last very long in their minds.”

Entertainers expected include the likes of Broda Shaggi, Faze, Style Plus, Nick B, Annie Idibia, MC Papi, Mr Macaroni, among others.

“A host of comedians and other entertainers are coming to entertain the prisoners. This is in line with the objectives of the foundation.

“The idea is to give the inmates hope since we cannot bail all of them, we decide to organise a music concert to entertain them. A lot of those people in prison have been locked for years. They don’t know what the outside world looks like.

“Reaching out to them will ease any depression they might be going through, and this gesture will go a long way in making them feel happy and to know that people out they are cared for,” Ms Abdul said.

According to her, the gesture will also help them become better persons when they eventually leave the prison. Abdul said it would re-energise the inmates and lighten them up.

On whether she will bail those in prison due to their inability to pay the fines awarded by courts, Ms Abdul said, “It is possible but I have no intention on that for now, feeding and entertainment is the focus for now.”