The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged the Federal Government to implement skill acquisition programs in correctional facilities nationwide.
He emphasized that equipping inmates with practical skills would significantly aid their rehabilitation and enable them to contribute productively to society.
In a post on his X handle on Thursday, Obi reflected on his visit to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Onitsha on Christmas Day, where he joined Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Grand Patron of the Nigerian Correctional Centres, to interact with inmates.
“This will greatly go a long way in rehabilitating the inmates, mainly youths in the correctional facilities, and prepare them to live more positive lives and contribute productively to societal development,” Obi stated.
He commended the operational Skill Acquisition Centre at the facility, which, through the intervention of Archbishop Okeke, is equipping inmates with various productive skills.
He also expressed satisfaction that the inmates now have access to take National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) exams within the correctional centre.
“As one who believes deeply in human development through education as a critical tool for national development, I find the establishment of these educational facilities very commendable,” Obi added.
He lauded the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for establishing a study centre within the facility, offering inmates an opportunity to further their education.
Obi also praised Archbishop Okeke’s unwavering support for the correctional facility and called on the government to replicate such initiatives across other centres nationwide.
“I urge the government to replicate such positive developments across the other correctional centres in the country,” he said.
