The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, has called on inmates serving various sentences at correctional facilities in the state to use their time in custody to acquire vocational and educational skills, reform their lives and prepare for a productive future.
Adelami gave the charge on Saturday during a visit to Olokuta Medium Security Correctional Centre, Akure, where he interacted with inmates and provided encouragement, spiritual support and welfare assistance, including foodstuffs.
The Deputy Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, advised the inmates to seek God, strengthen their faith and take advantage of the opportunities available to them within the correctional facility.
He said being in a correctional centre should not be regarded as the end of one’s life, but rather as an opportunity for reflection, transformation and preparation for a better future.
‘Please seek God, strengthen your faith and use this opportunity to acquire skills that will make you self-reliant when you regain your freedom.
‘Do not allow the mistakes of your past to define your future; let them become lessons that will guide you towards a better life,’ Adelami said.
Adelami also stressed that vocational and educational training could play a significant role in the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
He added that acquiring useful skills would help the inmates ensure that they had productive means of livelihood after their release, urging them to take their rehabilitation seriously.
At the Juvenile Correctional Centre in Akure, the deputy governor advised the young inmates to remain sober and reflect on their actions.
He, however, encouraged them to learn new skills, change their attitudes and prepare for responsible lives after their release.
Commending the deputy governor for his visit, the Officer-in-Charge of the Olokuta Medium Security Correctional Centre, Olayinka Dada, said the interventions of Adelami and members of Prison Fellowship Nigeria had contributed significantly to the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates.
Dada lauded the federal government’s efforts towards prison reform, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and welfare, including the ongoing construction of a modern block of cells at the facility.
‘We sincerely appreciate Dr Adelami and members of Prison Fellowship Nigeria for their continued partnership and support. Their interventions have contributed significantly to the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates.
‘We also thank the Federal Government for taking prison reforms seriously in line with international standards,’ he said.
He disclosed that some inmates were pursuing various academic programmes through the National Open University of Nigeria, which is located in the vicinity of the facility.