Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in conjunction with the Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Development Foundation, and Lov Network Foundation, have presented relief materials to the inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Benin.
Presenting the materials to the Deputy Controller of Correctional Centre in charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Benin, Idowu Enodiakemhen, the representative of the NGO, Comrade Mathias Ovie, said, that the essence was to bring about decongestion in the Correction Centre.
He said the programme cuts across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking further about the programme, Mr. Ovie said the NDDC will implement a series of prison decongestion and welfare programmes that are set to impact thousands of lives in the region.
Ovie said this initiative is designed to address overcrowding in correctional centres by securing the release of indigent inmates convicted of minor offenses 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.
He went on to say that as part of the programme, the NDDC will also 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 also 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.
He argued that the NDDC’s intervention reflected its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta and not only through infrastructure development but also through human-centered initiatives.
He said by partnering with respected organizations like Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Foundation, and Lov Foundation, the Commission is amplifying its efforts to deliver lasting, positive change to the region’s correctional institutions.
“This project is a testament to 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, NDDC is contributing to the overall development of the region and ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu administration is reaching the indigent members of the Region
Responding, Deputy Controller of Correctional Officer in charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Benin, Idowu Enodiakemhen, thanked the donors and said that the items would be judiciously put to use by the inmates.
The items presented to the centre are mats, mattresses, and others.
The NDDC in partnership with the NGOs also embarked on the renovation of water borehole and installations of solar lights within the centre.