By Suleiman Shehu
A non-governmental organisation, Jelitop Skills and Empowerment Development Association (J-SEDA) has trained and empowered 23 inmates in the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were trained in haircut, hair styling, bead making and design as well as laundry services.
Also, beneficiaries were empowered with working tools and certificates.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the J-SEDA Customers Relation Officer, Miss Eunice Asumo, said that the Inmates Care Support Programme initiative was designed to equip participants with practical skills, promote self-reliance and successful reintegration into society.
Asumo said that the certificates and empowerment tools being presented represented hard work, perseverance, new knowledge, and a renewed hope for the inmates’ better future.
According to her, they also reflect the belief that every individual can learn, improve, and make positive contributions to society when given the right opportunity.
She commended the beneficiaries for their dedication throughout the three days training, adding that their willingness to learn skills demonstrate their commitment to personal growth and brighter future.
Asumo urged them to put the acquired skills to work, be determined, hardworking and build integrity in order to become successful entrepreneurs as well as positively impact their families and communities.
Asumo appreciated the leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service, sponsors and partners for their support, noting that their investment in human development was creating opportunities, restoring hope, and transforming lives.
The officer in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre Agodi Ibadan, Mr Sunday Adekunbi, said the empowerment was part of rehabilitation strategies aimed at equipping inmates with practical skills for when released into the society.
“Beyond rehabilitation, this programme will also benefit the families of the inmates as well as the inmates themselves.
“When an individual spends one, two, or even three years in custody, their means of livelihood and ability to provide for themselves and their families may be affected.
“However, the skills acquired through this training will provide them with opportunities for economic empowerment after their release,” he said.
Adekunbi appreciated J-SEDA for its impactful intervention on the inmates, adding that it was not easy to find an NGO that was genuinely passionate about the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates.
He advised the inmates to make the best use of the opportunity provided by J-SEDA and apply the skills they have acquired for their benefit and families.
“With these skills, you can become self-reliant and even create employment opportunities for others,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni