The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has announced plans to expand skills acquisition and empowerment programs for inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Facility in Afara, Umuahia.
During her visit to the facility, Mrs. Otti addressed inmates, including female prisoners, encouraging them to maintain hope while using their time for self-reflection and personal development.
"The correctional facility should not be seen as an end, but as an opportunity for renewal and transformation," she emphasized, highlighting the importance of rehabilitation through skills development for successful reintegration into society.
Partnership for Justice Reform
The Governor's wife revealed that the current administration is collaborating with the Abia State Ministry of Justice, legal aid organizations, and civil society groups to improve access to justice for inmates without proper legal representation.
This initiative forms part of a comprehensive justice reform agenda that prioritizes rehabilitation over rejection within the correctional system.
CP Mrs. Josephine Ogbeifun, Controller of the Abia State Correctional Headquarters, welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for the timely outreach and support for both inmates and staff of the Correctional Centre.
The First Lady's visit underscores the state government's commitment to improving conditions within correctional facilities and providing pathways for inmates to develop marketable skills before their eventual release.
