Edo govt, Nigerian Correctional Service partner on inmate rehabilitation

…target skills training for female inmates, youths

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has commenced plans to partner with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in strengthening the rehabilitation, empowerment and reintegration of inmates, especially women and youths.

The proposal was discussed during a visit by the Edo Controller of Corrections, CCS Julius Osemwegie, to the ministry in Benin City.

Both institutions explored collaboration in vocational training, education, sports, welfare and non-custodial services.

The Commissioner, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs Joy Ihensekhien, said the partnership would support vulnerable inmates, youths and juveniles in conflict with the law. She proposed using the ministry’s skills acquisition centres to provide vocational and entrepreneurial training.

The ministry also expressed readiness to support the Children Correctional Centre through sports, education and other rehabilitation programmes.

Osemwegie said the partnership would promote effective reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, while expanding non-custodial measures such as community service and suspended sentences.

Both institutions agreed to hold technical meetings to identify priorities, assess inmates’ needs and develop an implementation framework.