Lives of those incarcerated in the Owerri correctional centre (formerly prisons) have been given a boost by the wife of the governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma during her visit to the centre on Friday 2nd October, in fulfillment of her promise to provide independence package for the less privileged in the state.
The governor’s wife expressed happiness at the opportunity to interact with the inmates and said she was impressed by their conduct and singing skills. She noted that, in line with the government of recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction agenda led by her husband, their lives would be made more comfortable and bearable as they serve their sentences.
Earlier, the governor’s wife had distributed food items, toiletries and cash to joint association of people with disabilities and clusters, as well as registered orphanages.
She enjoined them not to go back to a life of crime when they are released from the incarceration and directed that the bails of those unable to pay be sent to her for immediate payment.
In her contribution, commissioner for women affairs, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, expressed satisfaction with the visit, which she described as a fulfillment of promise by Imo first lady, and noted that the welfare of the less privileged and vulnerable were effectively being taken care of by her ministry, in conjunction with the governor’s wife.
The Asst. Comptroller in charge of welfare , Mrs Ejuka Mavis, in her address thanked the governor’s wife for her demonstration of love to the inmates of the custodial centre, pointing out that the prisoners were no longer called inmates, but students who were undergoing reformation and relearning at the centre.
She said there was need for more educational books , toiletries and decongestion of the centre, noting that some improvements have been recorded in the areas of better rations, the approval of the centre as Open University of Nigeria, among others.
Items provided by the Imo first lady included; bags of rice, garri, toiletries, cartons of noodles, mats, pillows among others.
