By Ezra Musa

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has inaugurated the Kaduna Open Custodial Facility, now renamed the ‘Reformed Bakery,’ as part of efforts to enhance inmate rehabilitation through vocational training and skills acquisition.

Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday in Kaduna, the minister said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the reintegration of inmates into society.

He stated that the unveiling of the facility marked a shift toward a correctional model that prioritises education, vocational training, and rehabilitation.

“This facility represents a shift in our correctional approach, one centred on education, vocational training, and reintegration.

“It is the only open custodial facility in Nigeria and now better equipped to prepare inmates for life beyond incarceration,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo emphasised that correctional reforms are essential to reducing stigma and dependency among former inmates.

On his part, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), said the centre previously served as a transitional facility for inmates nearing their release.

The NCoS boss was represented by retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).

He described the facility as not just a prison, but a place where inmates would be transformed into productive citizens.

Nwakuche explained that the facility currently offers vocational training in baking, poultry, piggery, and farming, alongside academic programmes through the National Open University of Nigeria.

“Inmates here interact with the public under supervision, gaining skills and education that will ease their reintegration,” he added.

In his remarks, Chairman of Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, Tijjani Dantata, said the company partnered with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative for the establishment of the facility.

Dantata stated that the bakery can process 200kg of flour every 30 minutes, yielding up to 400 loaves per cycle.

He added that the initiative would be expanded to include livestock and poultry projects, aimed at further empowering inmates with practical, income-generating skills. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Martha Agas/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Usman Aliyu

No fewer than 409 officers and soldiers on Friday graduated from various mid-career, logistics and transport related courses of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation followed the completion of an intensive three-month training programme.

The 2025 second quarter courses include Battalion Commanders’ Course, Catering Officers’ Course, Tank Operators’ Course, Driver B1–B3, Fire and Safety X1, and Catering Courses.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adejimi, Director of Movements, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja, commended the graduating personnel for their commitment and resilience during the duration of the training.

“Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduating students who have completed a vital phase in their professional development.

“Your dedication to excellence and commitment to our cause are essential to supporting and enhancing operational capability in the field,” he said.

He emphasised the crucial role logistics and transport personnel play in national defence.

Adejimi noted that their roles in ensuring the efficient movement of personnel and supplies directly supported the backbone of the Nigerian Army, and urged the graduates to continue to uphold integrity, loyalty, and discipline in service.

The army’s director of movements also commended the ongoing infrastructural facelift at the NASST and assured of continued support to the school with a view to maintaining high training standards.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Commandant of the school, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Adegbite, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and other top officials for their continued backing.

Adegbite explained that the training covered eight distinct courses, adding that he was confident that the students were now equipped with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to excel in their respective assignments.

He also acknowledged the school’s private sector partners for supporting the training institution.

The Commandant lauded the dedication of the school’s staff and instructors, noting their “tremendous work in shaping and moulding” the soldiers into reliable professionals.

Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Inyang, Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies in the school, while giving details of the courses and the performances of the students, charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the school.

He urged them to apply the knowledge well and overcome new challenges with training and retraining. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has emerged as the host of the Permanent Secretariat of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA).

The announcement was made at the 1st General Assembly of the Association, held from Thursday, June 26 to Friday, June 27 in Lusaka, Zambia.

A statement by the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed on Friday in Abuja stated that FRSC secured 45 per cent of total votes in a keenly contested election.

Mohammed said that the election was organised by the Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Policy Programme (SSATP).

He said that FRSC defeated Zambia with 40 per cent, Senegal with 10 per cent and the Democratic Republic of Congo with five per cent.

The FRSC boss described the victory as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a testament to the Corps’ leadership in road safety management on the continent.

He said that the hosting right comes with the responsibility of producing the Executive Secretary for the day-to-day running of the association.

Mohammed, who expressed gratitude to delegates for the confidence reposed in Nigeria, assured that the Corps’ digitalisation policy would be deployed to strengthen the operations of the Secretariat.

“Prior to the election, Nigeria voluntarily relinquished its position as Second Vice President in the Interim Executive Committee of AARSLA to bid for the Secretariat.

“A realignment of regional representation was also adopted at the Lusaka meeting with Kenya retaining the Presidency.

“Benin Republic as First Vice President, Cameroon as Second Vice President, Cape Verde as Third Vice President, and Zambia as Fourth Vice President.

“I am overwhelmed by the recognition accorded Nigeria through the FRSC to host the permanent Secretariat. This is a demonstration of the Corps’ leadership role as a model in Africa,” he said.

Mohammed said that SSATP had also pledged to support the establishment of an internationally standardised Secretariat at the FRSC Headquarters in Abuja.

The Corps Marshal commended the Federal Government for its continued support to the Corps and pledged Nigeria’s full commitment to the objectives of AARSLA.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed was accompanied to the meeting by Mr Lateef Ramoni, Focal Person of the West African Road Safety Organisation (WARSO), and Dr Yusuf Suberu, representing Nigerian CSOs and NGOs.

NAN also reports that the General Assembly is expected to produce an action plan aimed at halving road traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030, in line with global targets.

The AARSLA is an initiative of the SSATP, a World Bank-supported programme that partners with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to develop transport policies across 43 member countries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor and Yakubu Uba