Kaduna governor gives financial lifeline to 97 freed inmates, urges fresh start

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has fulfilled his promise to provide financial support to 97 inmates granted clemency on Democracy Day, with each beneficiary receiving N100,000 to aid their reintegration into society.

The cash support was presented to the former inmates on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre as part of the final phase of the Governor’s June 12 clemency programme. The initiative is aimed at helping the beneficiaries rebuild their lives through legitimate means after regaining their freedom.

The Assistant Controller in charge of the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre, Dalhat Ibrahim, commended Governor Uba Sani for what he described as a thoughtful intervention that would strengthen the correctional service’s efforts at reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating former inmates.

According to him, the governor’s payment of fines that secured the inmates’ release, coupled with the financial assistance, would encourage them to become law-abiding citizens.

“By paying the fine of the inmates and giving them financial assistance, this will encourage them to go and do what they are supposed to do. They are now set to be reintegrated into society,” Ibrahim said.

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He advised the freed inmates to invest the money wisely by using it as start-up capital for businesses or other productive ventures that would enable them to begin life afresh.

Speaking during the presentation, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Mohammed Suleiman, said the delegation was at the custodial centre to fulfil Governor Uba Sani’s promise made when he exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy on June 12.

He explained that each of the 97 former inmates received N100,000 to support their transition back into society.

Mohammed also reiterated the governor’s appeal to the beneficiaries to maintain good conduct and avoid any criminal activities that could lead to their return to prison.

One of the beneficiaries, Chuks Solomon from Ebonyi State, expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for granting them a second chance.

“We thank him for giving us the money because some of us will use it as capital to start a business. We pray that God will continue to bless him,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, speaking in Hausa, described the day as one of the happiest moments of their lives and prayed for God’s blessings upon Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State and Nigeria.