Kuje: The Federal Government has praised the dedication of inmates at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre to skill acquisition initiatives aimed at their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. The commendation was delivered by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a visit to the custodial center.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister’s visit was part of the government’s commitment to ensure the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates. Dr. Tunji-Ojo explained that he wanted to personally assess the living conditions of the inmates and engage with them directly. He inspected the medical facilities, skill acquisition centers, and the National Open University programs available to the inmates.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed satisfaction with the progress he witnessed, noting that the efforts at the center are changing the general public perception. He emphasized the importance of skill acquisition programs for the welfare of inmates, appreciating their positive attitude towards the facilitators dedicated to their rehabilitation.
“Inmates are here for correction, not condemnation,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the stakeholders’ interest in transforming the inmates. He highlighted the belief that inmates can be processed into valuable members of society and encouraged them to embrace the opportunity to learn skills for a self-reliant future.
The News Agency of Nigeria further reported that facilitators from the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIB), in collaboration with the Chemical and Allied Product (CAP), are conducting a two-week training session for the inmates. Mr. Gbenga Ogunfolaji from CAP mentioned that the company plans to hold these trainings quarterly due to the high interest and participation from the inmates.
Mr. Omale Peter, a facilitator from the building institute, stated that the government’s focus on technical education aligns with the support being offered to inmates, in line with the National Skills Qualification (NSQ).
