From Henrietta Ashikodi /Umuahia
The first lady of Abia state Mrs. Priscilla Otti in her visit to Aba Correctional Centre has called for speedy and quick dispensation of proceedings by the judiciary, to facilitate the decongestion of inmates in the Nigeria Correctional Service.
The Governor’s wife made the call when she visited the inmates of the Correctional Service in Aba while she used the occasion to donate food items, sanitary packs and other essential items, she also made a cash donation.
Addressing the inmates, MrsOtti made them to understand that what they are undergoing in the facility is corrections, not punishment, to rectify actions inconsistent with the laws of the land.
”I am pleased to announce that the government of Dr. Alex Otti is committed to assisting in enhancing the correctional facility’s workshop, such as skill acquisition and promoting educational advancement among inmates.
“As the wife of the Governor, I will prioritize skills acquisition, because I believe in human capacity development”. she said.
Mrs. Otticommended the management of the facility on the good work they are doing and encouraged the inmates to reflect on their life as they distance themselves from past mistakes, and strive to improve as they transition out of the correctional center.
She said, she was aware that FIDA has been providing legal aid to female inmates, “and as the Governor’s wife, I’ll continue to collaborate with them to assist those without legal aid.
However, for those who are interested in skills like tailoring, carpentry, barbing, and hairdressing, we are assuring you that we will enhance these skills to nurture development and we will also encourage academic pursuits”.
Speaking earlier, the state comptroller in charge of Nigeria Correctional Service Aba, Mrs. Julie Anyanwu, expressed joy at the first lady visit noting that this is the first time that somebody in the calibre of her position is visiting the facility.
Anyanwu explained that the correctional facility is no longer punitive to the inmates but to correct, train and guide the inmates through skills acquisition, so as they leave the facility, they are reintegrated back to the society with good conduct and empowerment to live a normal life.
Speaking also, the state President, FIDA, Barrister Akudo Amanamba noted that FIDA has been over the years doing pro bono services to indigent people and assured that there will be a change of attitude towards speedy judicial proceedings of cases of those awaiting trial.
In their goodwill messages, the mayor of Aba South LGA, Mr. Uche Nwogu, the commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation, Mrs. Ngozi Felix admonished the inmates, reminding them that no condition is permanent.
They added that the state government under Governor Otti will not forget them and assured that he will look into their welfare.
The highlight of the occasion was cutting of cake and presentation of songs by the inmates.
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