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Set to decongest prisons by paying fines for convicted inmates
From Tony Osauzo and Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in conjunction with the Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Development Foundation, and Lov Network Foundation, has presented relief materials to the inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Benin.
Presenting the materials to the Deputy Controller in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Benin, Idowu Enodiakemhen, the representative of the NGOs, Comrade Mathias Ovie, said the aim was to bring about decongestion in the correctional centre.
He said the programme cuts across the Niger Delta region, disclosing that the NDDC will implement a series of prison decongestion and welfare programmes set to impact thousands of lives in the region.
Ovie stated that the initiative is designed to address overcrowding in correctional centres by securing the release of indigent inmates convicted of minor offences through the payment of fines.
He said the project will focus on individuals who are eligible for release based on the nature of their convictions and their inability to pay court-imposed fines.
He added that by intervening in this way, the NDDC aims to ease the burden on correctional facilities while providing an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society for deserving inmates.
Ovie also disclosed that, as part of the programme, the NDDC will distribute essential welfare materials to correctional centres across the region, starting with the Yenagoa Correctional Centre in Bayelsa State.
He added that these materials will include sleeping mattresses, mats, and essential medical drugs to improve the living conditions and well-being of inmates.
He further said that the operational vehicles of the correctional facilities will receive a boost through the provision of new tyres, ensuring the effective functioning of these facilities.
Ovie explained that the NDDC’s intervention reflects its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta, not only through infrastructure development but also through human-centred initiatives.
He said that by partnering with respected organisations like Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Development Foundation, and Lov Network Foundation, the Commission is amplifying its efforts to deliver lasting, positive change to the region’s correctional institutions.
‘This project is a testament to the NDDC’s continued efforts in promoting peace, justice, and the well-being of the people in the Niger Delta.
‘We believe that by addressing the issue of overcrowding in our correctional centres and improving the conditions of the inmates, the NDDC is contributing to the overall development of the region and ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Tinubu administration is reaching the indigent members of the region,’ he said.
Responding, the Deputy Controller of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Benin, Idowu Enodiakemhen, thanked the donors and said that the items would be put to judicious use by the inmates.
The items presented to the centre included mats, mattresses, and others.
The NDDC, in partnership with the NGOs, also embarked on the renovation of a water borehole and the installation of solar lights within the centre.