Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State would take off its National Open University Study Centre in no distant time.
This came following the donation and installation of six computer sets as well as internet accessories by the Obijackson Foundation, a charity organization.
The Public Relations Officer, ASC of the Akwa Ibom State Command, Richard Metong, at the weekend, in a statement, said the programme is aimed at transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals and contributing to their successful reintegration into society.
He noted that the foundation in collaboration with the Centre launched the Inmates’ Rehabilitation and Empowerment Programme with the theme “Imprisonment for Correction: A Call for Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Inmates for a Better Society”.
He explained that a total of 13 inmates drawn from the four Custodial Centers in the Command whose fines were paid by the Foundation benefited from the empowerment program. The beneficiaries were certified by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity in various vocational skills such as laundry, vulcanizing, welding and barbing.
“They were also given start-up cheques of one hundred and fifty thousand (N150,000) naira each and vocational tools for the various trades learnt in the facility.” The statement read in part.
In her speech, the Executive Director of Obijackson Foundation, Pamela Egbo, said that the Foundation got involved knowing that reformation and rehabilitation is the only way forward to give the inmates lasting and sustainable lives to help them change and become better citizens.
The Controller of Corrections, Julius Ezugwu, on behalf of the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, appreciated the partnership which also provided relief items and drugs for the well-being of inmates.
The Officer in Charge of the Center, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Archibong Ekong noted that the rehabilitation and empowerment program will help address anxiety among inmates and give them a second chance to become better citizens in society.
