NDDC Pledges Support To Revamp Correctional Centres In Akwa Ibom State
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has assured the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) in Akwa Ibom State of its readiness to collaborate in the rehabilitation of dilapidated facilities across correctional centres in the state.
This commitment was declared by the Akwa Ibom State Representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, when a delegation from the NCS, Akwa Ibom State Command, paid a working visit to the NDDC State Office in Uyo on Wednesday.
The Correctional Service team was led by the Akwa Ibom State Controller of Corrections, CC Theophilus Okoka, and included CSC I. W. Ntia, Squadron Commander; CSC Samuel Bassey, Officer-in-Charge, Eket Custodial Center; SC Ima Jacobs, Secretary to the Controller; DSC Richard Metong, Public Relations Officer; and ASC Etido Edo, Protocol Officer.
Receiving the delegation, Apostle Nkono underscored the NDDC’s commitment to optimal security of the Niger Delta, human capital development, and social intervention across the region. He stressed that the Commission’s mandate extends beyond infrastructure to touching lives in every sector, and the correctional service, being a critical security agency, deserves urgent attention.
“The Commission has been touching lives, and we can’t be touching lives without extending it to the Correctional Service. They should not be exempted,” Nkono declared.
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Assuring the delegation that the NDDC has responsible and responsive leadership that does not merely listen to complaints but proactively intervenes, he encouraged the team to formally document their challenges and submit a written request for intervention. He promised that the State Office of the Commission would ensure the document reaches the management at the head office for consideration.
Earlier, Controller Okoka acknowledged NDDC’s interventions in the Niger Delta and solicited intervention at correctional facilities in the State, particularly the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Abasi centres.
The Controller disclosed that the Uyo Correctional Centre, originally designed to accommodate 613 inmates, is currently holding over 1,000 inmates, highlighting the severe overcrowding challenge facing the facility.
Okoka also decried the dilapidated state of infrastructure across the centres and solicited support in several critical areas, including the provision of solar lighting systems, portable water, and training equipment for vocational workshops.
According to him, the centres have vocational workshops for trades including barbing, carpentry, hairdressing, and shoemaking but lack the necessary tools and equipment to effectively train inmates.
“We solicit solar light, portable water, and training of inmates in vocational skills. The correctional centres in the state have vocational workshops and need to be equipped with tools,” he stated.
He also appealed for bedding and mattresses while calling on the Commission to physically visit the correctional centres to assess the situation firsthand.
On the relationship with the state government, Okoka commended the Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge for her magnanimity towards inmates, noting that 101 inmates were recently released on various grounds, including health concerns.
Speaking on achievements since his assumption of office, the Controller revealed that several inmates have been sponsored to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and acquire vocational skills in barbing, carpentry, and mechanic work.
He also disclosed that some inmates have been sponsored to study at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with some progressing to the PhD level, and he is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity for the certification of inmates who have acquired vocational skills.
In his vote of thanks, the NDDC State Director, Engr. Evong Evong expressed appreciation to the correctional service delegation for the visit and the opportunity to deliberate on areas of partnership. He thanked the Controller and his team for their detailed presentation and assured them of the Commission’s commitment to addressing the challenges raised.
