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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
A frontline Non-Governmental Organization in Nigeria, Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF), has said it is intensifying efforts to accelerate proposed reforms in the nation’s Criminal Justice System, so as to tackle issues of Awaiting Trial Syndrome, recidivism, prison congestion and challenges of the Nigeria Correctional System.
The Executive Director, Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, disclosed this at the Kick Off of the Second Edition of its sponsored sports tournament, tagged “Hope for freedom Tournament” at Kuje Medium Correctional Center in Abuja.
Olisa-Metuh stated that owing to its passion for the wellbeing of inmates at the Correctional Centers, the NGO is upscaling its public advocacy and pressure on government institutions. She stated that this is in addition to sustained provision of pro-bono legal services, counselling, welfare, healthcare, education and skill acquisition packages and programmes for inmates and those on society re-entry corridor.
According to her, “As a foundation, it is not news that we are very passionate about reform in the Criminal Justice system, we are also very passionate about the welfare of people that are incarcerated, and to that end we want to reiterate that this is not a one-off activity.
“Research has shown that physical activity and exercise is very good not just for your physical well-being but for your mental well-being as well. It has also shown that in Correctional Facilities where inmates embrace physical activities, it does a lot for their psychological wellbeing and goes a long way to reduce depression.
“So it is an honour to be able to do this. You know, we are firm believers that when God blesses an individual or an institution, He doesn’t do it just for their sake, He does it to use them as a conduit to bless other people” .
Deputy Controller of Prisons DCP Christopher Jen, while speaking at the event, applauded the Foundation for its support to the Nigeria Correctional Service adding that LGCF has become a source of hope and inspiration for the inmates
