The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to sustained reintegration of ex-offenders, calling on Nigerians to end stigmatization and give reformed citizens the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.
He made call during the presentation of Aftercare Starter Packs to 24 carefully selected ex-offenders at the National Headquarters of the Service in Abuja.
During the event, starter pack items in trades such as tailoring, laundry services, hairdressing, barbing, welding and carpentry were presented to the ex-offenders who have undergone specialized training in this trades while serving their time in custody.
In his keynote address, the CGC described the ceremony as “a moment that goes to the heart of what the Nigerian Correctional Service exists to achieve; the restoration of dignity, the rebuilding of lives, and the strengthening of communities.”
Nwakuche explained that this year’s empowerment exercise was unique as it marks the first full implementation of the Reformatory Enlightenment Programme (REP) — a structured system that documents inmates before training, tracks their progress, and follows them up even after discharge.
“This is not bureaucracy; it is accountability,” he said. “It ensures transparency, continuous support, and guarantees that each beneficiary becomes an ambassador of the Service in our mission to eliminate recidivism.”
The CGC emphasized that the 24 beneficiaries were thoroughly screened and selected based on character, emotional stability, knowledge, and practical mastery of their chosen skills.
“They did not merely pass time in custody; they invested time,” he said. “They embraced discipline, acquired trades, and demonstrated the courage to choose a different kind of future.”
While highlighting the importance of societal support, Nwakuche urged government agencies, NGOs, religious organisations, and the private sector to collaborate with the Service.
“If we truly want to reduce crime, this is one of the most effective places to invest,” he declared.
“Support for reformed individuals is support for national security.”
He further reminded Nigerians that the transformation from “Prisons” to “Corrections” under the 2019 Act was not to be symbolic, but to reflect genuine rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
The Corrections boss revealed that beginning in 2026, the Aftercare empowerment programme will become a quarterly initiative, expanding opportunities for more ex-offenders and aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He charged beneficiaries to take ownership of the tools given, stressing that the Service will follow up — not to intimidate, but to support and encourage them.
“These tools are opportunities, not decorations. Use them to build meaningful work. Use them to support your families. Let your consistency speak louder than your past,” he urged.
In a strong message to the public, the Controller General appealed to Nigerians to stop discrimination against reformed individuals, noting that stigmatization frustrates their reintegration and undermines national safety.
“They are reformed and ready to contribute their quota to the development of their fatherland. Give them a chance,” he urged.
The event featured testimonies by ex-offenders on life after release, symbolic distribution of starter packs and inspection of items.
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