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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
In furtherance of the strategic leadership vision of the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to strengthen offender rehabilitation, enhance public safety and deepen strategic partnerships for sustainable reintegration, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, in collaboration with the Luchi Advocate Foundation, has empowered three ex-inmates with vocational starter packs and financial support to facilitate their successful reintegration into society, as well as register 500 inmates in West Africa Examinations Council.
The initiative reflects the Controller General’s commitment to translating the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019 into practical outcomes by equipping discharged inmates with the means to become self-reliant, economically productive and less susceptible to reoffending.
The presentation, held in Abuja, featured the distribution of starter packs aligned with the vocational skills acquired by the beneficiaries during incarceration. Items presented included sewing machines, chemicals and equipment for the production of liquid soap and cosmetics, alongside other trade tools to support sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the presentation, the Founder and Chairperson of the Luchi Advocate Foundation, Mrs. Oluchi Vivian Uche, said the foundation’s intervention was inspired by the conviction that genuine rehabilitation extends beyond custodial walls.
“We believe in protecting lives, restoring hope and reducing crime through empowerment. When these tools are put to good use, they will enable the beneficiaries to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
In a statement, deputy superintendent of corrections,
Public Relations Officer,
Nigerian Correctional Service
FCT Command, Adamu Samson Duza, said that Uche also announced that the foundation will sponsor the 2026 West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) examination fees for 500 inmates across custodial centres in the FCT Command, describing education as a critical pillar of rehabilitation and reintegration.
Responding, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, commended the Luchi Advocate Foundation for complementing the Controller General’s reform agenda through impactful interventions that support the reintegration of discharged inmates.
He noted that the foundation had previously donated relief materials and food items to inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Kuje and Suleja and has now extended its support to former inmates as they transition back into society.
The controller urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them by becoming responsible citizens and ambassadors of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“This intervention aligns perfectly with the Controller General’s vision of creating opportunities for reformed inmates to become productive members of society. With the skills acquired in custody and the starter packs received today, we are confident they will become self-reliant and, ultimately, employers of labour,” he stated.
He further called on corporate organisations, development partners, faith-based bodies and other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the foundation by supporting the service’s rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, noting that sustainable reintegration remains central to crime prevention and safer communities.
Mr. Odiba Daniel who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed profound appreciation to the Luchi Advocate Foundation and the FCT Command for giving them a second chance and pledged to make productive use of the empowerment materials.
The Luchi Advocate Foundation remains a strategic partner of the Nigerian Correctional Service, supporting the service’s rehabilitation and reintegration mandate through humanitarian assistance, educational support and vocational empowerment initiatives.
