The Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, Sunday Adekumbi, has urged inmates to embrace rehabilitation by becoming better versions of themselves in preparation for their reintegration into society.
Adekumbi made the call during the Inmates Care Support Programme organised by the Jellitop Skills and Empowerment Development Association (JSEDA) at the custodial centre.
He commended the association for its consistent support in promoting the rehabilitation of inmates through vocational training, noting that such initiatives complement the correctional service’s efforts to reform offenders and equip them with productive skills.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s programme focused on a skills exhibition and the graduation of inmates who successfully completed various vocational training programmes facilitated by the association.
Speaking at the event, JSEDA’s Customer Relations Officer, Asunmo Eunice, encouraged the graduating inmates to make the most of the opportunity by demonstrating that determination, integrity and hard work can pave the way for a better future.
She explained that the association plans to expand the initiative beyond the Agodi Correctional Centre to other custodial centres across Oyo State and eventually to correctional facilities nationwide.
Highlighting the importance of skills acquisition in reducing recidivism, Eunice said the association remains committed to empowering inmates with practical knowledge that would enable them to become self-reliant upon release.
The programme culminated in the presentation of certificates to inmates who completed training in various vocational skills.
The beneficiaries appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative by providing tools and equipment needed to strengthen skills acquisition programmes and improve their chances of successful reintegration into society after serving their sentences.
