Udom promises facelift of correctional centres in Akwa Ibom

Governor Udom Emmanuel has pledged to give a facelift to the correctional centres in Akwa Ibom State to ensure a conducive environment for the inmates.

The governor made the pledge when the Assistant Controller-General (ACG) of Nigerian Correctional Service, in-charge of zone ‘E,’ Owerri, Chuks Chiabua visited him at Government House, Uyo.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem, the governor said his administration is committed to changing young people for the better, adding that “Ibom 3000 Project” aimed at preparing the youth for the over 1000 jobs that would be created from the expected industrialisation boom in the state and other lofty programmes of his administration, is geared towards assisting the youth to be self-reliant.

He expressed delight at the achievement of the correctional service, particularly training of inmates to acquire skills on any job of their interest while serving their jail term, which according to him is for the good of society.

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The governor attributed the increasing number of inmates in the correctional centres to lack of mentorship, counseling, and guidance of young ones by adults and charged officers of the service to do more in this regard as most inmates can be changed and converted for the betterment of the society.

He lauded the federal government for considering it wise to change the Nigerian Prisons Service to Nigerian Correctional Service.

“Let me observe the fact that the change of the name from Nigerian Prison to Correctional Service is very appealing to me because there is one statement that the Catholic Church says-Juvenile delinquency is borne out of adults delinquency and I agree to that totally.

“The change of name connotes the fact that no one is beyond the capacity to change for the better,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Assistant Controller-General(ACG), Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone ‘E’ Owerri, Chuks Chiabua said he was on familiarisation visit of states in the zone to ascertain the state of facilities.

The ACG said the Nigerian Correctional Service was working round the clock to ensure that a robust penal system is in place, describing a good and functional criminal justice system as the bedrock of development in any society.

Chiabua observed that out of the four major correctional centres in the state, located in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, and Ikot Abasi, three are congested, adding that the negative effects of congestion in the rehabilitation process can never be overemphasized.

“There is need for a concerted effort towards reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.

“Proper reintegration of offenders back to the society is also key in having a safer society,” Chiabua stated.

He commended the governor for the strides recorded in the area of infrastructure, commerce, and social reorientation, noting that it takes a leader who is focused and people-oriented to achieve the ‘giant strides.’

The ACG was accompanied during the visit by the Controller of Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, Akinlola Orisabinone, and other senior officers of the zone.