By Kelechi Ogunleye
The Federal Government has commended inmates of the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre for their commitment to reformatory skill acquisition which is aimed at their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the commendation during a visit to Kuje custodial centre on Wednesday.
He said that the visit was necessitated following the federal government’s commitment to ensure the well-being and rehabilitation of inmates.
“I decided to come without prompting them, to come and see the living condition of inmates and interact with the inmates directly.
“We wanted to see the medical facility, their skill acquisition centers, see them actually practicing their skills as well as the National Open University.
“I think we are very pleased that the story that we are seeing today, is quite different from the general public perception,” he said.
He said that the welfare of inmates remained vital to the Federal Government, hence the establishment skill acquisition programmes.
He appreciated the receptive attitude of inmates towards stakeholders and facilitators who are dedicated to the rehabilitation of inmates.
“Inmates are receptive because they not in prison but in a correctional center. I want to thank you for your interest .
“ We believe you are here not as condemned people but as tools and raw materials that we can process into a wonderful finished product.
“You are here to be corrected, rehabilitated, restored and transformed, that is our believe and I am happy the institute and other stakeholders are partnering to give you a new lease of life.
“It is my desire that you learn so that when you go out there you will be adequately, intellectually empowered to live a self reliant and sustainable life,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that facilitators from the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIB) in collaboration with the Chemical and Allied Product (CAP) are conducting a two-weeks training for inmates in the center.
A trainer from CAP, Mr Gbenga Ogunfolaji, said that the company intends to conduct the training quarterly for inmates.
“We actually planned for 50 inmates but their interest and enthusiasm was so much that we are having 78 participants and they are very receptive and eager to learn,” Ogunfolaji said.
A facilitator from the building institute, Mr Omale Peter, said that the government’s interest in technical education prompted the need to key in by supporting inmates in line with the National Skills Qualification (NSQ).
“All the learners that are being thought here, after their practical assessment are expected to be given NSQ certification,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza