By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
In a heartwarming display of compassion and generosity, the President of the Nigerian Correctional Officers’ Wives Association (NICOWA), Mrs. Victoria Abiye Nwakuche, has facilitated the release of five inmates from the old Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi. This noble act was made possible through the payment of fines and compensations, in collaboration with the Sisters of Virtue Organization.
The release of the inmates is part of efforts to decongest the facility and show love to incarcerated persons. During her visit, Mrs. Nwakuche also toured the female wing of the custodial centre, commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration. She commended the officer-in-charge of the facility, Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) Bara’u Mustapha, and the staff for their commitment to the safe custody and welfare of inmates.
Mrs. Nwakuche urged the inmates to take advantage of the rehabilitation programmes available in the facility, including vocational training and formal education, to better their lives. As a gesture of goodwill, she donated essential items, including diapers, bags of rice, slippers, tissue papers, sanitary pads, and soaps to the inmates. The staff also received souvenirs in appreciation of their service.
The President of the Sisters of Virtue Organization, Mrs. Ibi West-Idahosa, encouraged the inmates to embrace a positive lifestyle. She emphasized that their visit was not only to support NICOWA’s initiatives but also to understand the inmates’ challenges and explore ways to assist them further.
The Controller of Corrections Nasarawa State Command, Ya’u Ibrahim, applauded Mrs. Nwakuche and the Sisters of Virtue Organization for their generous contributions and commitment to the welfare of inmates. He highlighted the importance of partnerships in supporting rehabilitation efforts and easing the burden on correctional management.
This visit underscores the significance of collaboration between government officials, NGOs, and the Nigerian Correctional Service in fostering a more humane and rehabilitative correctional system. The event also featured a heartwarming moment where gifts were presented to the only child who accompanied his mother to the facility.
