The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti
The wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has exhorted inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Centre Afara, to engage in self-reflection and take practical steps towards living a better life when they leave the facility.
Mrs. Otti spoke recently at the facility while making donation of essential supplies, including bags of rice, beans, toiletries, and cash support as part of activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Alex Otti-led administration in Abia State.
The Governor’s wife in a message of encouragement and appeal to the inmates, said her visit underscored the administration’s belief in the dignity and potential of every Abia resident, regardless of their circumstance.
She emphasized that the correctional facility should not be seen as punitive, but as an opportunity for renewal and transformation.
According to her, “Our visit today reflects the broader vision of the Governor Otti’s administration to ensure that even the most marginalized are not left behind in the development driven governance taking root across the state.
“We would be stepping up our support for skill acquisition and empowerment programs within the correctional facility, having already extended such interventions in the past.
Strengthening rehabilitation through skills development is key to ensuring that inmates can successfully reintegrate into society upon release”.
She revealed that the state government is working out modalities to partner with the Ministry of Justice, legal aid organizations, and civil society groups to expand access to justice for inmates who lack proper legal representation.
“The initiative is part of a broader justice reform agenda that places rehabilitation, not rejection, at the heart of the correctional system while we solicit the Governor to look into your other challenge” Mrs Otti said.
CP. Josephine Ogbeifun
Earlier, the Comptroller of the Abia State Correctional Headquarters, CP. Josephine Ogbeifun, expressed her gratitude for the impactful outreach.
She commended Mrs. Otti, for her consistent and compassionate support to the facility, describing her as a dependable ally and a mother figure to both staff and inmates.
CP. Ogbeifun however appeal to the state government to assist the facility address challenges in the female section of the facility like mattresses, mosquito treated nets, Geepee tanks, sewing machines, TV set, and to repair the leaking roof.
She prayed for renewed strength and continued partnership with Her Excellency’s humanitarian endeavors.
In her remarks the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, extolled the Governor and his wife for placing the welfare of the vulnerable at the forefront of the administration.
She encouraged inmates to see their current situation as a temporary phase and to make the most of every opportunity for learning and transformation.
Female inmates at Afara Correctional Facility
However, an inmate who spoke on behalf of others thanked the governor’s wife for what he described as a motherly gesture that has rekindled hope and dignity among the inmates.
Meanwhile, in attendance were the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, Mayor of Umuahia North, Chief Ihuoma Smart, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation and Vulnerable Groups, Chief Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas, both lauded Mrs. Otti’s sustained commitment to the empowerment of women, youth, and other disadvantaged groups across the state.
