By Adebayo Gbeja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, has partnered with the Luchi Advocate Foundation (LAF) on vocational training for inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje.
This is contained in a statement on Monday by the NCoS Public Relations Officer in FCT, DSC Duza Adamu.
Adamu said that the partnership was forged when the LAF donated vocational equipment and welfare materials to the inmates of the MSCC.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the LAF is a Nigerian non-profit and people centred organisation founded by Oluchi Uche, a Nigerian legal practioner.
Adamu said that the intervention underscored growing importance of collaboration between correctional institutions and civil society organisations in promoting rehabilitation, restoring dignity, and supporting the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
He also said that the partnership was in line with a renewed effort by the agency to strengthen inmate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism in the Nigerian correctional centres.
He quoted the Controller of Corrections in the command, Christopher Jen, as commending the foundation for its timely and impactful intervention after he received the items.
Jen noted that the partnership aligned with the NCoS mandate of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
He encouraged inmates to make the most of the opportunity by dedicating themselves to learning and personal development.
”The greatest appreciation any organisation can receive is to see beneficiaries make productive use of the opportunities provided.
”Learn diligently, produce quality work, and apply these skills positively when you regain your freedom. That is the true value of this gesture,” the controller said.
Jen also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fostering partnerships with non-governmental organisations, faith-based institutions, and other stakeholders committed to inmate welfare and rehabilitation.
While presenting the items, Founder/Chairman of LAF, Uche, said that her years of engagement within the criminal justice system had revealed the urgent need for stronger support structures for inmates preparing to return to society.
She said that the intervention was designed to support inmates currently undergoing vocational training in tailoring, soap making, and other trades under the service’s rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
”Many inmates leave custody with a genuine desire to rebuild their lives but lack the practical tools, opportunities, and support needed to begin again.
”This intervention is inspired by the belief that, rehabilitation must be intentional and sustainable.
”By supporting vocational training within the custodial centre, we are helping to ensure that release translates into dignity, productivity, and lawful living rather than a return to crime,” she said.
Uche added that meaningful rehabilitation extended beyond confinement and must include access to skills acquisition, mentorship, and resources capable of fostering long-term economic independence.
NAN reports that items donated by the foundation include packs of cooked food, bottled water, and two sewing machines to support tailoring training.
Other items include materials for liquid soap, disinfectant and air freshener productions, as well as materials for practical tailoring exercises among others.
(NAN)