From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia
The Compassion Connectors Nigeria, the Nigeria Chapter of Global Compassion Coalition (GCC) has showed love and care to inmates of Umuahia Correctional Custodial Center by donating menstrual pads to female inmates and also writing materials to students of National Open University Program, Special Study Centre.
GCC who collaborated with the Department of Citizenship and Leadership, Abia Ministry of Sports and Youth Development together with Vision Africa International at Umuahia correctional custodial centre to mark the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day, with the theme:
“Compassion in Leadership Outreach”, which seeks to promote compassionate policies for a compassionate world.
Speaking during the occasion, Linus Ikpe, the Public Relations Officer who spoke on behalf of the Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Abia State Command, Josephine Ogbeifu and deputy controller in charge of Umuahia Custodial centre, CP Michael Mabia appreciated the presence of the group for identifying with the inmates at the suspicious occasion
They reitereted the important of hygiene of all inmates especially among young girls as they observed their monthly period adding that menstruation is natural and essential parts of life but unfortunately surrendered by stigma, shame and inadequate resources.
They said, “the centre recognizes the essence of proper menstrual hygiene by ensuring that their female inmates are adequately provided for.
We are thanking the group for their visits and providing reading materials for the study Centre and packs of pads for the female inmates, we appeal to spirited Nigerians to come to the aid of the inmates by providing toiletries, soaps, disinfectant among others, as government can not do it all alone”.
Speaking, the commissioner for Sports and Youths Development Mr, Ananaba Nwaobilor, ably represented by Head of Department Administration, Mrs Ugoala Kelechi encouraged the inmates not to look at themselves as people without hope, reminding them that once they are alive there is hope.
He noted that some of them are here by mistake. He urged them not to leave the centre the way they came. “That you are here does not mean that you are already condemned. I urged you to embrace education or any skill of your choice, do that so when you leave here, you will be a better person”. The commissioner noted.
lending his voice, ASC Ugwo Blessing Isaiah, the coordinator of National Open University special study Centre, said 80% of those in prisons are youths who need not remain the same way they came. He regretted that there is no adequate class rooms therefore effecting the numbers of students to be admitted.
He said, as the person in charge of the study centre, he observed the following challenges, over staying of inmates, unfriendly environment especially for learning, idleness of some inmates noting that such idleness can be transformed to creativity. He plead that industries be establish within the premises in order to create jobs.
Contributing, an inmate who is also a student of the study Centre, Ebere Prince said alot are willing to register for WAEC but lack the fund to do that, he appealed to good spirited Nigerians to help, as well appealed for the establishment of more acquisition Centre for youths willing to get one skill of the other. He also pleaded for writing materials for their students,
In a lecture series presented by Youth Development Officer, Ministry of Sports and Youths Development, Mr Solomon Chukwurmeka in a topic “Society and You: the Importance of Good Citizenship”, admonished the inmates that even though they are in prison they are a society noting that laws are enacted and must be respected, reiterated that where our right stops, other people’s right starts, “we must promote fairness, equality, justice and peace no matter the challenges”.
Speaking also, HOD, Citizenship/ Leadership Department, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Mrs Nnenna Ukalonu admonished the inmates, telling them that crime should not be a way of living. He urged them to think of ways to better themselves, so when they leave the prison they will be useful to the society.
The occasion also witnessed presentation of award, “Icon of Compassion” by the students of the National Open University Program, Umuahia Correctional Custodial Special Study Centre to Bishop Sunday Onuoha, the president of vision Africa, which also comprised of Vision Africa radio in recognition of his compassionate efforts towards the education and improvement of the lives of the inmates.
The event also featured, the launching of a Sanitary Pad Bank at the Umuahia Correctional Custodial Center in the “United for Women’s Health Campaign” by Volunteers in Compassion Connectors Nigeria
The visitation was concluded with a friendly football match between GCC Stars FC, Umuahia Correctional Custodial Center and visiting Vision Africa Waves FC, aptly named “Compassion Friendly,” dedicated to honoring the compassionate attributes of the Executive Governor of Abia State.
The match ended in a 1 – 1 draw with the visiting Team donating their branded Football Jersey to GCC’s Prisons Football Club at the Umuahia Correctional Custodial Center.
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